A new Titanic-themed street art piece, featuring the names of men and women who worked at the shipyard during the great ship’s construction, has been unveiled in Belfast.

Groups from the Mountpottinger and Short Strand areas of the city came together for this cross-community project which ran as part of Belfast City Council’s Titanic community engagement programme.

Located at a disused site on Castlereagh Street, the colourful art panels feature striking abstract images of Titanic along with names of Castlereagh Street residents who worked at Harland & Wolff and the docks in 1911, while the great ship was being constructed.

Speaking at the unveiling, Alderman May Campbell from Belfast City Council’s Development Committee said: “The unveiling of this beautiful art piece demonstrates the positive impact that Titanic is having throughout the city.  Groups from both sides of the community have worked together to produce an eye catching design that will transform an area that has previously been a target of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

“The redevelopment of Titanic Quarter and the opening of Titanic Belfast bring fantastic opportunities for the city and this art project is just one of the countless community engagement projects that have been led by Belfast City Council over the past 18 months.

“A number of similar art projects are planned for sites across the city and the council will continue to work closely with each of the project groups to develop artwork that ties the Titanic legend to their local area.

“Community projects such as this highlight the possibilities for the future of the city.  By coming together for a common purpose we can all work together to create something from the past while looking to the future.”

Local artist Daniela Balmaverde worked with the community groups to develop the design and artwork.

“The enthusiasm from each person involved in the project was fantastic, “she said.

“Everyone brought their own ideas to the table and were more than happy to get involved in designing final piece which is a fitting tribute to the local people who helped to shape the Titanic legend.”

More information on Belfast City Council’s Titanic community engagement programme can be found at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/titanicquarter