Community Spirit In Full Colour: LQ BID unveils New Donegal Pass Mural

Vibrant youth-led artwork celebrates creativity and marks ongoing investment in residential regeneration

A new mural created by local young people was officially unveiled today on Maryville Street, Donegall Pass, as part of an ongoing community partnership supported by LQ BID. The unveiling event marked the culmination of a summer-long creative project designed to enhance the visual landscape of the area and strengthen ties between the Linen Quarter and surrounding residential communities.

The event was attended by local residents, community representatives, and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, who praised the initiative as a powerful example of creativity and collaboration at the heart of community regeneration.

Reflecting on the unveiling, the Lord Mayor said, “Donegall Pass has a rich and unique character, and it’s brilliant to see that coming through in this project, with the young people’s design making the mural even more special. It’s not just about transforming a space – it’s about celebrating the people, stories and history that make this part of the city special. Projects like this bring real pride to local communities and show how every part of Belfast has a role to play in shaping the city’s future.”

Chris McCracken, Managing Director of LQ BID, said, “This project shows what can be achieved when creativity, community, and collaboration come together. We’re proud to support local residents in creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that reflect the spirit and identity of Donegall Pass. It’s another step towards making the wider Linen Quarter a more welcoming and liveable part of the city.”

Led by street artist Carla Hodgson (also known as CHA CHA), the mural was developed through a series of workshops organised by Donegall Pass Community Forum. Primary school-aged children from the local area contributed to the design and painting process. The project combines artistic expression with environmental education and community engagement, encouraging pride and ownership in public spaces.

The Maryville Street mural forms part of a wider initiative to transform key entrance points into Donegall Pass, a historically active and close-knit neighbourhood adjacent to the Linen Quarter. The work builds on years of community-led improvements and is intended to reflect local identity and values through vibrant, collaborative public art.

LQ BID has supported the delivery of the project as part of its broader commitment to improving residential areas and underused spaces throughout the district. The organisation has invested in a range of public realm enhancements in recent years, including murals, greening projects, and regular environmental clean-ups.

Linen Quarter BID continues to act as a bridge between the business community and local residential communities, with recent initiatives including sponsoring a young person from Sandy Row to take part in the NI Super Cup and providing the Markets youth team, Albion Star FC, with new kit.

For more information on regeneration projects around the Linen Quarter, visit linenquarter.org.