Proposals Unveiled for New SuDS Pond in South Belfast Park

Residents are being invited to have their say on plans for a new Sustainable Drainage System pond in Drumglass Park, south Belfast. The project aims to reduce flood risk in the Lisburn Road area, improve biodiversity, and create a nature-based drainage solution for heavy rainfall.

Public Consultation Opens on Drumglass Park SuDS Pond

A public consultation has opened on proposals to introduce a new Sustainable Drainage System pond in Drumglass Park in south Belfast.

The project is designed to help manage wastewater and reduce the risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall in the Lisburn Road area.

What Is Being Proposed for Drumglass Park?

The plans include the creation of a new permanent SuDS pond, with a landscaped area around it.

The pond would only fill with rainwater occasionally and for short periods during heavy rainfall.

Water would then be released slowly into the existing drainage system at a controlled rate. This would help prevent local sewers from becoming overwhelmed during storms.

The aim is to use a cleaner, greener and more natural way to manage surface water.

What Is a Sustainable Drainage System?

A Sustainable Drainage System, often called SuDS, is designed to manage rainwater in a more natural way.

Instead of sending large amounts of water straight into sewers, SuDS features can slow, store and filter rainwater.

This can help reduce:

• Flood risk
• Sewer pressure
• Pollution
• Surface water problems
• Damage during heavy rainfall

For more background on sustainable drainage, visit the Department for Infrastructure website:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/

Benefits of the Sustainable Drainage System Pond in Drumglass Park

The proposed Sustainable Drainage System pond in Drumglass Park would bring a number of local benefits.

These include:

• Helping reduce flood risk in the Lisburn Road area
• Improving local wildlife habitat
• Supporting biodiversity
• Creating a new landscaped feature in the park
• Freeing up capacity in the sewerage system
• Supporting sustainable development and economic growth
• Providing educational opportunities around climate resilience

The project is also expected to demonstrate how nature-based drainage solutions could be used in other areas of Belfast and across Northern Ireland.

Council Says Project Supports Greener Communities

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said the pilot project could help Belfast lead the way on nature-based drainage solutions.

He said the scheme supports the council’s climate and environmental ambitions by helping to create greener, healthier and more resilient communities.

Councillor McLaughlin also said the project would bring benefits for the local community by helping to reduce flooding and pollution, while creating an attractive new feature for park visitors.

He added that the council wants to hear directly from residents before decisions are made.

More information on Belfast City Council can be found here:
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/

Department for Infrastructure Welcomes Consultation

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed the consultation and said the project forms part of the Department’s Transforming Urban Drainage work.

She said nature-based drainage solutions can help manage water flow in towns and cities.

The Minister said these cleaner and greener approaches can help reduce flood risk and pollution.

She added that the overall project aims to provide around 10,000m3 of temporary stormwater storage, with Drumglass Park offering an opportunity to contribute to that target.

Visit the Department for Infrastructure website here:
https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/

NI Water Encourages Residents to Share Views

NI Water Senior Project Manager Mark Sefton said NI Water is pleased to be working with Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure on the pilot project.

He said the aim is to demonstrate the wider benefits of nature-based sustainable drainage systems.

These include promoting biodiversity, amenity and education.

NI Water said it looks forward to hearing the public’s views through the online survey and planned drop-in event at the park.

More information on NI Water can be found here:
https://www.niwater.com/

Drop-In Event at Drumglass Park

Residents can view the plans online and share their views through the Your Say Belfast website.

A drop-in event will also take place in the park, giving people the chance to speak directly with council and NI Water representatives.

Event Details

Location: Drumglass Park Bandstand
Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Time: 3pm to 7pm
Consultation website: https://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/drumglass-park

How to Have Your Say

Residents can take part by completing the online survey.

They can also attend the drop-in session at Drumglass Park Bandstand on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

For more information and to share feedback, visit the Your Say Belfast consultation page:
https://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/drumglass-park

Why This Matters for South Belfast

Heavy rainfall can place significant pressure on drainage systems, especially in urban areas.

The proposed SuDS pond in Drumglass Park aims to ease that pressure while creating a greener public space.

If approved, the project could become an important example of how Belfast can adapt to climate challenges using natural drainage solutions.

It could also help shape similar schemes across the city in the future.

Residents, park users and local businesses are encouraged to review the proposals and share their views before a final decision is made.

Visit the Your Say Belfast website or attend the public drop-in event at Drumglass Park to have your say.

Consultation link:
https://yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/drumglass-park