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Nine paramilitary murals in East Belfast are set to be removed and redesigned in a major reimaging project.

Work has started in Lord Street on the £30,000 project which is being funded by the Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion budget.

It is being overseen by Charter NI, an independent think tank devoted to studying the causes of conflict at a community level in Northern Ireland.

The theme of the new art pieces has been agreed in partnership with the local community and the Housing Executive. Artists from Blaze FX are expected to complete the project by the end of July.

Deirdre Crawford, Cohesion Manager at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said: “The start of this project is significant for the local area and the feedback has been very positive. The community is pleased that this work is now taking place after a long consultation process and they would like to see more plans in progress. This activity is all part of a wider process which has been taking place for several years to change hearts and minds. It is about moving forwards and embracing peace.”

The Lord Street reimaging project forms part of a wider regeneration strategy for the area called The Diamond Project, which includes plans to bring empty social housing back into use and develop an environmental scheme.

The Housing Executive works to support local communities remove the outward symbols of sectarianism through the medium of art. The vision of the Housing Executive is one in which housing plays its part in creating a peaceful, inclusive, prosperous and fair society.

Gary Ballantyne, South and East Belfast Area Manager at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, said: “The Diamond Project has been set up by Belfast City Council to try to engage with a community that has been disengaged from organisations including our own. Our aim is to improve housing, but as you can see from the reimaging our work is about much more than just that alone. Already through the Diamond Project several ground maintenance schemes have been completed and we are considering the future physical regeneration of the area at Constance Street.”

Dee Stitt, Chief Executive of Charter NI, added: “The beginning of this work signals a step forward for the local community and it brings to fruition the positive results of many years of dialogue and conversation. Our organisation works to enable, equip and empower disconnected communities across Belfast and the reimaging work in the Lord Street area will play a crucial role in that.”