Belfast’s Westlink
divides us more than
it connects us
The dual carriageway cuts through Belfast, severing city centre connections for the North & West
Westlink has had a profound impact on development and communities are effectively segregated
Is it time to decide how Westlink must adapt to the changing needs of our city?
Historical Context
In 1960 the Belfast Corporation developed plans for the Belfast Urban Motorway project, an elevated urban ringway that would surround the city centre
The start of the troubles in the 70's and pushback from a newly formed Belfast City Council in 1974 saw plans scaled back
Following a review by the department, as well as pressure from the British Army to allow for reduced movement and easier monitoring, finalised plans for Westlink were formed
Pressure on communities
Homes earmarked for demolition weren’t maintained by landlords that knew they would be compensated regardless
Working-class families who had rented for generations were unable to move whilst declining industry led to increased pressure
The violence that erupted from these communities evolved in this context of housing stress and uncertainty
In 1983 Westlink was built
Exacerbating Divide
map by Mark Hacket
The newly constructed Westlink severed arterial connections to the city centre, creating shatter zones that spread and created areas that were unsafe and intimidating
Planning policy during the troubles facilitated relocation of the middle classes to the safer suburbs, who could also afford cars to be able to traverse the city safely
Is it time we moved on from the original plans for Westlink? What solutions are there for reconnecting the city?
Successful projects in Madrid, Seattle and Colorado have seen their highways buried and community parks built on top
“Similar idea floated #BolderVision. Delivering this would physically connect city & provide positive metaphor about our future”
- Chris McCracken, Alliance Cllr Bangor Central and MD Linen Quarter BID
images by relinkbelfast
