The first residential development of Belfast Harbour’s imposing City Quays development has been submitted to Belfast City Council.
Known as City Quays 4, the new waterfront residential project will also be one of the first major “build-to-rent” developments, offering rent-only apartments which are managed by an operator.
The designs include 256 apartments which will be built on a vacant site next to the River Lagan between the M3 bridge and the AC Marriott Hotel. The proposals include a mix of studio and one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as public and private amenity spaces.
Should it be passed by the planning committee, work is expected to commence in 2024.
Following a public consultation in October, an application for the development has now been submitted to Belfast City Council’s Planning Department, with work expected to commence in 2024, subject to permission being granted.
The build-to-rent model is a popular approach to city centre living in other parts of the UK and Europe, but has only begun to emerge in Northern Ireland.
Residents will be offered a combined tenancy package which includes their property rent and access to shared amenity spaces, such as fitness or workspace facilities, as well as controlled energy and utility rates.
“Creating an iconic waterfront for the city with a vibrant inner harbour is one of Belfast Harbour's key strategic goals, so we are delighted to submit these proposals for new homes that will support the growing community at City Quays,” Kevin Ryan, Development Director at Belfast Harbour, said. “City Quays 4 will offer future residents some of finest waterfront living in Belfast and contribute to realising the city’s ambition, set out within the Belfast Agenda, to increase the number of people living in the city centre.”
Belfast Harbour’s City Quays includes commercial offices, retail, and multi-storey car parking, as well as the AC hotel by Marriott.
At the same time as the build-to-rent development, the harbour also said it is putting forward a proposal for an associated residential development for affordable housing, including social provision, at Pilot Street / Corporation Street, with an application expected to be submitted in the new year. The plans seek to deliver approximately 70 new homes.
