Residents in South Belfast are being invited to look over plans for a new Sustainable Drainage System pond in Drumglass Park and give feedback before decisions are made on the scheme.
The Drumglass Park SuDS Drop-in Event will take place at Drumglass Park Bandstand on Wednesday 12 August 2026, from 3pm to 7pm. Entry is free, no booking is required, and the session is aimed at local residents who want to speak directly with Belfast City Council and NI Water representatives about the proposals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Drumglass Park SuDS Drop-in Event |
| Date | Wednesday 12 August 2026 |
| Time | 3pm to 7pm |
| Venue | Drumglass Park Bandstand, South Belfast |
| Cost | Free |
| Entry | No booking required, drop-in event |
A flood-prevention pond proposed for Drumglass Park
The proposal would introduce a permanent SuDS pond in Drumglass Park, with a landscaped area around it. According to Belfast City Council, the pond would only fill with rainwater occasionally and for short periods during heavy rainfall.
The aim is to hold stormwater temporarily and then release it slowly into the existing drainage system at a controlled rate. The council says this would help prevent local sewers becoming overwhelmed during heavy rain, particularly in the Lisburn Road area.
The project is being delivered by NI Water in partnership with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure. Funding comes from the Department for Infrastructure as part of the NI Executive’s Public Sector Transformation Fund.
What residents can discuss at the bandstand
The drop-in session is designed for people who want to see the plans, ask questions and give views in person. Council and NI Water representatives are expected to be at the Drumglass Park Bandstand throughout the four-hour session.
Residents will be able to discuss the proposed pond, the landscaped area around it, and the wider aim of using nature-based drainage to manage heavy rainfall. The source notice also says the project would include robust safety measures as part of the pond’s design, along with details about construction.
Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said the council wanted to hear directly from residents so decisions reflect local needs. He said the project would help reduce the risk of flooding and pollution while creating a new feature for park visitors.
Biodiversity, sewer capacity and local growth
Beyond flood risk, the council says the scheme could improve wildlife habitat and biodiversity in the park. It also says the pond could help support economic growth by freeing up capacity in the sewerage system.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed the consultation and linked the Drumglass Park project to the Department for Infrastructure’s Transforming Urban Drainage work. She said the broader aim is to demonstrate how nature-based drainage can help manage water flow in towns and cities.
The overall project target referenced by the department is approximately 10,000m3 of temporary stormwater storage. The Drumglass Park proposal is being presented as one contribution towards that wider target, while adding to the park’s existing character.
NI Water Senior Project Manager Mark Sefton said NI Water was pleased to work with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure on the pilot project. He said the scheme is intended to demonstrate benefits including biodiversity, amenity and education.
How to have your say
Residents can give feedback in two ways: by attending the Drumglass Park Bandstand drop-in event on Wednesday 12 August 2026 between 3pm and 7pm, or by viewing the plans and completing the online survey through the Your Say Belfast website.
The council notice says people are encouraged to attend the park session to speak with council and NI Water representatives and provide their feedback in person.
Source: Belfast City Council
Source check Source trail
This event preview was prepared from Belfast City Council’s published notice and the event details stated in that source.
- Checked the event date, time and venue against the source notice.
- Kept the cost and entry wording to the stated free drop-in format.
- Used only named project partners and quoted people listed in the source.
- Did not add transport, accessibility or booking details that were not provided.
- Source
- Belfast City Council
- Scope
- South Belfast
- Updated
- 2026-06-22 14:20
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments