FAQs

The pond being proposed is known as an attenuation pond. An attenuation pond is a landscaped basin built to temporarily hold excess rainwater during heavy storms. Instead of letting water rush into overloaded drains and sewers, with the potential to cause flooding, the pond holds the water and releases it slowly, allowing nature to manage it safely. This will help manage the amount rainwater getting into the drainage systems and help reduce the risk of flooding in the Lisburn Road area.

The pond will have a permanent body of water approximately 70cm in depth, rising to a maximum of approximately 120cm during periods of heavy rain.

Once the final detailed design for the pond is complete, it is estimated that the construction will take approximately four months.

Whilst ponds provide excellent community spaces for wildlife, it is accepted that they do pose additional safety risks. Thankfully, there are many simple solutions that reduce risks, and the pond’s detailed design will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment to ensure it will be safe for all park users to enjoy, whilst not compromising general accessibility and visual appeal or routine maintenance. 

Planned safety measures include: 

• The pond will be designed with gently sloping sides and a level bottom so there are no sudden or steep drops. This ensures that people and wildlife can safely get out should they find themselves in the water.  
• The pond’s inlet and outlet structures will be designed without large openings. 
• It will have natural planting around its edges to discourage entry into the water.
• It will have appropriate edge protection, where required, to keep people safe from accidental slips into the water. 
• Appropriate safety signage will be erected beside the pond. 

NI Water will maintain the pond’s planting and drainage infrastructure for a period of three years after construction has been completed. After this period, the council will assume responsibility for maintaining the pond’s planting, while NI Water will continue to maintain its associated drainage infrastructure.  

Yes – it is envisaged that the pond and its local surroundings could be a useful outdoor learning resource that will help raise awareness of the environmental, drainage and wastewater issues faced by today’s society, and provide a real-life example of how SuDS can help address them. For example, the pond’s outlet structure will be designed to provide an accessible platform for viewing and educational group talks. Information boards will be erected in the area to educate children and adults alike on the purpose of the pond and the many multifunctional benefits that SuDS can provide. Local schools will be contacted during the consultation process for input to shaping and designing appropriate educational resources and opportunities for practical learning.