The Landmark 15-Year Study from Queen's University Belfast
A groundbreaking 15-year investigation led by researchers at Queen's University Belfast has demonstrated the transformative power of urban greenways on public health. Focusing on the Connswater Community Greenway in east Belfast, the study reveals substantial gains in physical activity, mental wellbeing, and perceptions of safety. This comprehensive evaluation, launched on May 12, 2026, at Titanic Belfast, underscores how strategic urban regeneration can foster healthier communities over the long term.
The Connswater Community Greenway, often abbreviated as CCG, emerged from a collaborative vision to revitalize a disused railway corridor and river path into a vibrant 9-kilometer linear park. Spanning deprived areas in east Belfast, it integrates pedestrian and cycling routes, lush green spaces, community hubs, and innovative flood defenses. What began as a local initiative has become a global benchmark for urban green and blue space interventions, thanks to rigorous academic scrutiny from Queen's University.
Professor Ruth Hunter, who leads the research at the Centre for Public Health, highlights the study's real-world applicability. Conducted as part of the GroundsWell Consortium and funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership, it provides policymakers with evidence-based insights into sustainable city design.
Genesis and Evolution of the Connswater Community Greenway
The project traces its roots to the early 2010s, born from partnerships between EastSide Partnership, Belfast City Council, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Rivers Agency. Local residents played a pivotal role in shaping the design, ensuring features like accessible paths, play areas, and biodiversity enhancements met community needs. Construction phases rolled out progressively, with full completion marking a shift from industrial neglect to a thriving public asset.
From the outset, Queen's University researchers embedded evaluation mechanisms. Baseline data collection in 2011 captured pre-intervention conditions, including low usage and limited active travel. Post-development monitoring tracked shifts, revealing how the greenway bridged divided communities and promoted equitable access to nature in one of Northern Ireland's most socio-economically challenged areas.
This community-led approach exemplifies co-production in urban planning, where academic expertise intersects with grassroots input to deliver multifaceted benefits.
Queen's University Research Framework Over 15 Years
Queen's commitment spans multiple phases, starting with the Physical Activity and the Rejuvenation of Connswater study in 2011. Subsequent efforts, like the 2021 PARC natural experiment and five-year follow-ups, built a robust longitudinal dataset. The latest analysis synthesizes surveys from thousands of users, behavioral observations at key nodes, in-depth interviews, and geospatial mapping.
This mixed-methods rigor distinguishes the work, combining quantitative metrics—such as usage counts via infrared counters—with qualitative narratives on lived experiences. Economic modeling via Social Return on Investment further quantifies value, positioning Queen's as a leader in planetary health research.
Dramatic Surge in Usage and Active Modes of Travel
One of the most striking outcomes is the 114 percent overall increase in greenway usage since baseline. Cycling exploded by over 400 percent at certain hotspots, while pedestrian traffic rose steadily. Female participation jumped 203 percent, a testament to design elements enhancing perceived safety, such as better lighting, wider paths, and natural surveillance.
These shifts align with national goals for active travel, reducing car dependency and easing urban congestion. In east Belfast's context, where deprivation historically limited outdoor recreation, the greenway democratized access to exercise.
Physical Health Gains: Meeting Activity Guidelines
Participants reported significant uplifts in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with a notable proportion achieving the Chief Medical Officers' 150 minutes weekly recommendation. This translates to lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes—pressing issues in Northern Ireland.
Longitudinal tracking showed sustained adherence, unlike short-term interventions that fade. The greenway's integration of fitness stations and event spaces encouraged habitual use, fostering lifelong health behaviors.
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Mental Wellbeing and Social Cohesion Enhancements
Mental health metrics improved markedly, with validated scales like the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale registering positive trends. Users cited reduced stress, heightened life satisfaction, and stronger community bonds. Qualitative data revealed stories of social isolation breaking down, as families and neighbors gathered for picnics or group walks.
The sense of place deepened, with residents expressing greater attachment to their locale. This psychosocial uplift is crucial in post-conflict Belfast, where green spaces aid reconciliation.
Safety Perceptions and Inclusive Design Success
Safety emerged as a cornerstone, particularly for women and vulnerable groups. Pre-intervention fears of crime deterred use; post-development, confidence soared due to visible maintenance, community events, and inclusive facilities like changing places toilets. The 203 percent female usage spike underscores how thoughtful design—bench placement, clear sightlines—mitigates barriers.
This inclusivity extends to all ages and abilities, aligning with Queen's emphasis on health equity.
Economic Justification: Impressive Social Return
The SROI analysis delivers compelling fiscal evidence: every pound invested yields £1.34 to £1.59 in returns through healthcare savings, productivity gains, and environmental stewardship. This conservative estimate excludes intangibles like happiness boosts, yet affirms green infrastructure as a smart economic play.
| Benefit Category | Estimated Return per £1 |
|---|---|
| Health Improvements | £0.45-0.60 |
| Social Cohesion | £0.30-0.40 |
| Environmental Gains | £0.59-0.59 |
Stakeholder Perspectives and Collaborative Triumph
Professor Hunter notes, “Transforming urban environments with long-term investment yields measurable benefits for diverse populations.” Michele Bryans of EastSide Partnership adds, “The greenway transforms movement, connection, and local pride.” These voices reflect a symbiotic academic-community model.
Belfast City Council integrates findings into strategies like the Belfast Open Spaces Strategy, amplifying impact.
Explore the full Queen's University announcementPolicy Ripples Across the United Kingdom
The study informs national frameworks like the UK Government's 25 Year Environment Plan and Northern Ireland's Active Travel Strategy. It advocates scaling greenways in cities like Manchester and Glasgow, where similar deprivation patterns persist. WHO case studies elevate CCG globally, inspiring adaptations in Europe and beyond.
For UK universities, it exemplifies translational research: from lab to landscape, driving societal change.
Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash
Queen's University: Pioneering Urban Health Research
Queen's Centre for Public Health exemplifies interdisciplinary prowess, blending epidemiology, planning, and economics. Ongoing GroundsWell work extends to planetary health, positioning Belfast as a testbed for climate-resilient cities. Aspiring researchers can engage via research positions or doctoral programs.
Looking Ahead: Lessons for Sustainable Cities
Future phases will probe climate adaptation, like heat-resilient planting. The study calls for ring-fenced funding for maintenance, ensuring enduring legacy. As UK faces urbanization pressures, CCG proves greenways are not luxuries but essentials for equitable health.
Queen's continues leading, inviting collaborations to replicate successes nationwide.
