Belfast's Urban Garden (The BUG) has celebrated a successful first year, not only cultivating plants and flowers but also fostering friendships and strong community connections, remarked Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew McCormick.

Speaking at a celebration event on Friday, May 9th, marking twelve months of the demonstrator project at the Belfast Stories site on Kent Street, Councillor McCormick praised the initiative's impact. Over 20 groups and more than 2,300 people have participated in onsite activities during its first year.

The BUG is one of several 'Grey to Green' city centre projects funded through the Department for Infrastructure's £400,000 Blue-Green capital grant programme, administered by Belfast City Council. The project has also received funding and support from the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Andrew McCormick said: "There's been such a rich harvest from The BUG – Belfast's Urban Garden – over the past year, not only in terms of the fresh produce it has grown, but also the fantastic, free opportunity it's provided for people to connect with nature and community right in the heart of Belfast city centre."

He congratulated project partners, The Conservation Volunteers NI, for their engagement work. "Together, they've made The BUG a truly welcoming, shared space for all to enjoy. In line with our Bolder Vision, The BUG is all about helping to enhance biodiversity, combat pollution, and improve the city centre's appeal and liveability. We've also been delighted to hear about the positive mental health and wellbeing impacts experienced by those who've enjoyed the horticulture and conservation workshops." 

Councillor McCormick added: "The BUG has amply demonstrated how urban gardening with proactive community engagement can create a sense of community ownership, whilst sustainably greening a city centre site. And we'll carry that learning forward as we start to prepare this site for Belfast Stories." He noted that when Belfast Stories opens in 2030, it will be a major visitor attraction and creative hub, made possible with investment from the Belfast Region City Deal. 

Sharon Crainey, Operations Leader at The Conservation Volunteers NI, said: "It's been a joy to see The BUG flourish – thanks to over 20 groups we've engaged with, our weekly gardeners and volunteers – and we're really looking forward to seeing what's next on our growing journey as we seek a new partner and location for the garden's next phase."

David Tumilty, Senior Health Improvement Manager at the PHA, highlighted the project's health benefits: "The programmes that the PHA funds through The Conservation Volunteers connect with communities at greatest risk of health inequalities. Engaging people in activities that help improve physical and mental wellbeing is so important. We have seen the benefits of people coming together at the BUG, helping to address issues of social isolation, developing community bonds through this connection, and people getting more active by being in the gardens, which have had such a positive impact throughout the past year."

For more information on 'Grey to Green' projects supported by the Council, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/greytogreen.