Belfast City Council has revealed the public's preferred route for the proposed Sydenham to Holywood greenway.
In March, a consultation was launched to find the most suitable route for the proposed East Belfast greenway with three routes being proposed to the public.
The proposed routes were:
Read more: Public asked to decide on plans for cycle route from Sydenham to Holywood
The council has now revealed that the preferred route for the project is Option 1, which would see a new path created along the railway track from Victoria Park, through Sydenham to the Holywood Exchange.
This route was also deemed by council officers to be the safest option that was proposed and would easily link with existing infrastrucutre such as the Connswater Greenway which ends at the beginning of Victoria Park. It was also found to be the shortest route at roughly 4km.
It will now inform the Department for Infrastructure of the preferred route.
The estimated cost to develop the scheme is £3,500,000 and it would take 48 months to deliver. However, DfI has noted that there is currently no budget to deliver the scheme.
A council report said: "Members should note that DfI envisages that Route 1 could be delivered in approximately 48 months however, other factors such as an ecological assessment, legal process for agreements/order and planning may alter this initial projection.
"DfI has noted that there is currently no budget to deliver the scheme at this time but would like to continue to engage with Council to work up options for delivery and once the preferred route has been agreed. DfI has advised that similar to other projects, they would be open to funding Council for elements of the route through the either Green and Blue Infrastructure Fund (or something equivalent). However, this funding would not cover future management or maintenance."
East Belfast DUP councillor George Dorrian welcomed the plans saying that once developed they would enhance already existing walking routes while creating a new ones for the area.
He said: "I welcome the work ongoing to develop the greenway network to Holywood and Sydenham. We believe option one is the only realistic way forward.
"This will open up a new route for both workers and leisure users and is a reflection of the growing popularity of active travel throughout our city.
"At Inverary we have existing walking routes which can be easily integrated into a new greenway, ensuring access is as wide as possible for the local community. The existing Connswater and Comber greenways have shown the benefits, now is the time to widen out this out.
"We are ambitious for what can be achieved here and we hope the Department shares that ambition."
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