Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid has cut the first sod at a 1m memorial garden in honour of police officers killed and wounded in Northern Ireland over the last 80 years.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Garden - which will be situated at PSNI headquarters in Belfast - will pay tribute to policing in the province, particularly the service of the RUC.
RUC George Cross Foundation chairman, Mr Jim McDonald, said the garden, whilst being a memorial to those who had given their lives or been maimed or wounded in some way, would also be a place of healing and "play a part in reconciliation for the whole community".
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Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid
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Planned to be open to the public, the garden aims to move away from the traditional concept of a war memorial, adopting a more contemporary feel.
An historic walk is planned, featuring benches and plaques marking important dates in the history of the RUC and creating what the garden's designers call a "history timeline".
The needs of the disabled, visually impaired and hard of hearing will also be accommodated in the new garden.
Within the public area, sculptures will lead visitors through to a more intimate space, where a less cultivated park will attempt to reflect the chaos which the RUC had to police during the troubles.
A wall of remembrance will include the names of all RUC, Ulster Special Constabulary and Police Authority members who died in service or as a result of terrorism.
The list will commence on June 1st, 1922 and run until November 4th, 2002 when the RUC changed to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The garden is expected to be completed by the end of the year and there are also plans for a new museum on the site.
PA