In unprecedented times, RTU continued manufacturing for a significant Belfast project - the Lagan Gateway

MPANI Committees

The Lagan Gateway forms a critical element of the long-term regeneration of the Lagan and aims to open the navigation from Belfast to Lisburn, then to Lough Neagh. The scheme will revitalise the River Lagan, provide beautiful public spaces and provide a long-term legacy for generations. The supply of RTU Ready Mixed Concrete and Exposa® Decorative Concrete to the £5.2 million Lagan Gateway is a unique case study, remarkable in its economic and societal benefits and the completion of phase one during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

This project exemplifies green infrastructure that ensures public green spaces are easily accessible and biodiversity is maintained and protected. RTU Concrete was used in the structural improvements and development work of a navigation lock, an iconic foot and a cycle bridge. Exposa® Decorative Concrete was used for the highquality landscaping and new path connections as part of an outdoor experience that is safe and durable and achieves a stunning aesthetic in keeping with the natural richness of the river and its surroundings. These features are crucial in the long-term regeneration of the Lagan Navigation and the vision of its funders. Civil Engineering specialist, Charles Brand, led the overall project on behalf of Belfast City Council, which invested 50% through the Belfast Investment Fund. Other partners were Ulster Garden Villages (£1m investment), Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure, DfI Rivers and the Lagan Navigation Trust. Work was underway at the Lagan Gateway when the first lockdown was announced in March 2020. Due to the critical stage of the project, it was commercially and environmentally essential for work to continue while adhering to Government guidelines. RTU immediately started communicating with the broader project team working together to safeguard everyone involved and developing solutions to mitigate disruption during these unprecedented times. Covid-19 is unique in its global impact, altering the economic landscape and creating unpredictable market environments. It was essential to minimise disruption from the COVID19 pandemic despite major upheavals and severe implications for production networks and the supply chains that underpin operations. As a modern and progressive organisation, RTU’s ‘business as usual’ policies, in place to manage the challenges of unforeseen events, were called into action. Frontline manufacturing staff can’t

take their work to the relative safety of their homes, and our priority was to establish ways to operate through the immediate crisis - all while preparing for a potentially more extended period of heightened uncertainty regarding demand and supply and a lasting need to maintain enhanced hygiene and physical distancing. Innovative product planning and distribution from our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and the capacity of our distribution fleet helped us withstand the pressure of lockdown and maintain manufacturing capacity while addressing safety protocols and enforced workforce shortages. RTU principles are to first and foremost protect our workforce, manage risk to ensure business continuity and drive productivity at a distance. As an experienced building product manufacturer, we know that the best construction projects bring people together in a shared and positive environment. The Lagan Gateway links the Lagan Towpath and Annadale Embankment and fulfils a vital objective to get green space close to people and provide opportunities for an active outdoor lifestyle. As well as a new navigation lock adjacent to the River Lagan, a stunning bridge accommodates walking, cycling and commuting in this beautiful area of South Belfast.

The next phase develops a greenway connection from Lagan Lands East at Annadale to Belvoir Forest Park to further encourage and enable more sustainable travel. The proposed Greenway connection will ease the pressure on the existing towpath on the Stranmillis side to provide an alternative for cyclists and pedestrians looking for a different experience. For RTU, it’s a privilege to be part of such an iconic scheme that supports community engagement, delivers stunning outdoor space for everyone, revives the river lagan and provides a regional gateway to the canal network. We are delighted that our working partnership with Charles Brand continues as we work on the flood aviation of the River Lagan. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are proud to have delivered over 4000m3 of concrete to the Lagan Gateway and to see our products used in a project that creates opportunities for tourism, employment and economic growth along our iconic River Lagan.