This is a first look at newly approved plans for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Lagan.
Belfast City Council Planning Committee has approved plans for a new bridge that will connect Ormeau Embankment with the Gasworks.
The five metre wide bridge will have combined rail and cycle paths and a new toucan crossing will also be created on Ormeau Embankment close to the entrance of the Indoor Tennis Arena and Ozone.
South Belfast SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown welcomed the approval of the plans, saying that they had been eagerly awaited by local residents who will have improved access to Ormeau Park and the city centre.
Deputy Chair of Belfast City Council's Planning Committee, Cllr McKeown said: "People in South Belfast and beyond have been eagerly anticipating the new bridge between the Gasworks and Ormeau Park as a significant development in linking up our city for pedestrians and cyclists, so I welcome Planning Committee's approval of the revised programme.
"This project will provide an elegant and transformational piece of infrastructure that will make Belfast much more connected, enabling and encouraging people to leave the car at home and walk and cycle more.
"Residents of the Lower Ormeau will be able to enjoy the benefits of Ormeau Park much more readily, while people on the park side will be able to access the city centre directly when the bridge is completed.
"Approval has been granted to phase the scheme, so work can proceed on placing a pedestrian crossing on Ormeau Embankment, with phase 2 covering construction of the main bridge structure. This means that when the first steps in construction commence, permission will be secured permanently for completion of the overall project.
"I welcome Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon's commitment to this project as part of her drive to champion green, sustainable infrastructure across our city and the wider region."
Plans for the bridge had previously been approved in 2016, but it was due to expire in April 2021, so this recent decision will allow for the necessary surveys to be carried out before construction starts.
The council has said that no objections to the creation of the bridge were received.
