The new 83-metre structure has been developed as part of the £5.2 million Lagan Gateway project, which has already seen the existing Stranmillis Weir refurbished and a new navigation lock installed.
Belfast City Council is investing £2.15 million in the project through its Belfast Investment Fund, while other partners include Ulster Garden Villages, the Department for Communities, the Department for Infrastructure and Lagan Navigation Trust.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl was joined by Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages, Dr Tony Hopkins, CBE, to celebrate the opening of the new route.
Speaking at the opening, Mayor Nicholl said: "Walking and cycling are more popular than ever, so the opening of this bridge is very timely. This beautiful part of Belfast is already extremely popular, so it is hoped that the new bridge will help to significantly reduce congestion on the Lagan Towpath by opening up the other side of the river.
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"As well as improving connections between communities in south Belfast, we believe that the bridge and wider improvements to the area will help attract people from further afield and boost the local economy in the longer term. In the near future we also hope to develop pathways to Belvoir Forest Park, making it much more accessible for people on foot or bike who may not otherwise consider visiting it.
"The investment in Lagan Gateway supports many of the ambitions of the Belfast Agenda, the city's community plan. We want to invest in our communities and make them as attractive as possible. We want to encourage more people to walk and cycle and in turn, improve their physical health and mental wellbeing. By improving connections between the city's built and natural environments we will contribute to all these aims, so I warmly welcome this project."
Welcoming the opening of the new bridge, Minister Mallon commented: "This bridge is a key element of the Belfast Cycling Network which I published in June this year. It is a fabulous new asset for Belfast and beyond which will open up the beauty of the Lagan for locals and visitors alike, and in due course could become a key element linking communities in south Belfast to the city centre. We deliver so much more for our citizens when we work together. I remain committed to collaborating with colleagues in Belfast City Council and wider local government to enhance our natural surroundings and provide more active travel opportunities for people to safely enjoy, walking, wheeling and cycling."
Dr Hopkins also expressed delight at the vision of the Lagan Gateway project, adding: "Some 20 years ago we pledged to put £1 million into a viable project to open up the River Lagan to the canal system with the Lagan Navigation Trust. We are very pleased at the vision shown by Belfast City Council and the Departmental funders to accomplish this as part of an outstanding scheme which will make the area attractive for citizens and tourists wishing to walk or travel along both the river and the canal."
A public vote on a shortlist of names for the new bridge will take place later this year. Details will be announced on Belfast City Council's website and social media when the voting opens.
