A NEW artwork, welcoming people to one of the largest social housing developments to have been built in Belfast for many years, is to be unveiled next week.
Built on the site of the former North of Ireland rugby and cricket ground on the lower Ormeau Road, Lavinia currently provides 166 high quality homes for families and single people.
Work is underway on the construction of the final phase of the scheme which will provide a further twelve new homes. The public art piece, made up of metal decorative railings incorporating the legend ‘Failte go Lavinia’ marks the entrance to the development.
The art project was jointly delivered by Belfast City Council and Clanmil Housing Association, which owns and manages the Lavinia housing scheme, and the Lavinia Residents’ Association in partnership with LORAG.
Belfast artist Clare Lawlor worked with both local residents and young people from the area to develop a shortlist of designs for the finished piece, with the final design then being voted for by the residents.
Local resident, Delores Rea, who has lived at Lavinia for the past four years, was among those who played an active role in developing the artwork, along with many of her neighbours.
“We’ve been working on this project with Belfast City Council and Clanmil for nearly three years and it’s going to be very exciting to see the final sculpture unveiled.
“We’d like to thank both the council and Clanmil for their contribution to the project, which we think has really captured the great sense of pride that we feel at Lavinia for our area.”
The artwork will be officially unveiled on Friday May 25 by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Ruth Patterson. She said: “This is a wonderful project, which the council has been delighted to support.
“It is a tangible demonstration of the pride which the residents feel for their area and provides a real welcome to Lavinia. I congratulate everyone involved.”
Clare McCarty, Chief Executive of Clanmil Housing Association, added: “I am delighted to welcome Alderman Patterson to Lavinia and would like to thank Belfast City Council for the funding it has provided towards this beautiful artwork through their ‘Creative Legacies’ scheme.
“Lavinia is Clanmil’s flagship development and we work closely with our residents and the local community to ensure that it is a good place to live.
“The artist has really captured this strong sense of community in her work.”
