Landscape gardener and Andersonstown News columnist Dominic Loughran has come up with a plan to transform the former Andersonstown Barracks site into a tranquil oasis.Dominic, from Andersonstown, proposes to create a garden and introduce a tower of reflection to replace the watchtower, which was previously on the site.The Department for Social Development’s (DSD) decision to hand over the site for the development of apartments has been met with strong opposition by local residents.Dominic’s plans show the entrance to the garden as a large patio area in the shape of a footprint – he says it’s a dual symbol of a giant step – a step in faith by the communities of Ireland and a step of the mythical Finn MacCool. To get to the main area, visitors must cross water over a small timber bridge. The water runs all around the watchtower, meeting a water fountain to the rear of the garden. The water fountain is surrounded by preformed columns inspired by the Giant’s Causeway.The central feature of the garden is that watchtower but unlike the baleful security tower which rose over local homes, the cedar-clad watchtower has a stainless steel column and glass-bordered staircase and deck. The stainless steel column is reflective and from any angle on the main deck of the watchtower visitors would be able to see a reflection of the city landscape. The staircase leads to a main decking area above; the main deck would have a selection of seating and table arrangements. “The proposal is made with the intention of bringing an area of beauty to the community, increasing nature through wildlife, introducing the landscape to visitors and as a place to look forward to the future without forgetting our past,” said Dominic.Dominic’s proposal has been submitted to the West Belfast Partnership Board.Meanwhile, residents and their supporters will hold a ‘Reclaim Our Site Festival’ this Sunday to reclaim community ownership of the former Andersonstown Barracks site and to express their opposition to the DSD’s decision to hand over the iconic public space for private development. Residents feel strongly that, after enduring the presence of an RUC barracks for more than 35 years, the community should have had a full say in determining the future of the site.
ApartmentsThe Stop the Sell-Off Campaign (SSOC) has called for a new, inclusive and binding public consultation. Two weeks ago, SSOC handed in a petition signed by more than 1,000 local residents demanding that the site be kept public and used for the benefit of the community rather than handed over for the construction of apartments, as the plan approved by the DSD proposes. “The DSD decision is typical of the way ‘regeneration’ works in the ‘new’ Northern Ireland, where a handful of private developers have more say in key decisions being made about our future than whole communities do,” said Brian Kelly of SSOC.“The DSD plan for the former barracks site is the most obscene example of a trend that is affecting people right across every community in Belfast and beyond,” he added.The Festival will run from 12 noon to 4pm, and will include music and entertainment for all ages. Award-winning West Belfast hip-hop team Rapture Crew have been invited to perform. Traditional musicians from the Andersonstown School of Music will also entertain the crowd, along with the bands Bréag, Tin Pot Operation and Cruncher. There will be bouncy castles, face-painting and games for children. The Festival was formerly scheduled for September 15 but was postponed after the murder of Harry Holland, who was a strong supporter of the campaign. Organisers will also honour Harry’s legacy as part of the day’s festivities. l The West Belfast Partnership Board are hosting a consultative forum and anyone who has any ideas for the site can contact Gerry McConville or the West Belfast Partnership Board office, Falls Road, on 90 809202.
28/09/2007
ApartmentsThe Stop the Sell-Off Campaign (SSOC) has called for a new, inclusive and binding public consultation. Two weeks ago, SSOC handed in a petition signed by more than 1,000 local residents demanding that the site be kept public and used for the benefit of the community rather than handed over for the construction of apartments, as the plan approved by the DSD proposes. “The DSD decision is typical of the way ‘regeneration’ works in the ‘new’ Northern Ireland, where a handful of private developers have more say in key decisions being made about our future than whole communities do,” said Brian Kelly of SSOC.“The DSD plan for the former barracks site is the most obscene example of a trend that is affecting people right across every community in Belfast and beyond,” he added.The Festival will run from 12 noon to 4pm, and will include music and entertainment for all ages. Award-winning West Belfast hip-hop team Rapture Crew have been invited to perform. Traditional musicians from the Andersonstown School of Music will also entertain the crowd, along with the bands Bréag, Tin Pot Operation and Cruncher. There will be bouncy castles, face-painting and games for children. The Festival was formerly scheduled for September 15 but was postponed after the murder of Harry Holland, who was a strong supporter of the campaign. Organisers will also honour Harry’s legacy as part of the day’s festivities. l The West Belfast Partnership Board are hosting a consultative forum and anyone who has any ideas for the site can contact Gerry McConville or the West Belfast Partnership Board office, Falls Road, on 90 809202.
28/09/2007
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