700 New Residential Units Approved in Belfast, Including Tallest Apartment Tower in Ireland
Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee has granted planning permission for the construction of 700 new residential units in central Belfast. The approval includes four major schemes between the city center and the docks area. The proposals, submitted by Belfast Harbour, McAleer & Rushe, Vinder Capital, and Endeavour Investments, have been recommended for approval by council officials.
One of the notable developments is Belfast Harbour’s City Quays 4 scheme, which will feature a 23-storey tower reaching a height of 76.4 meters. The tower, along with a 12-storey element, will accommodate 256 build-to-rent units. Situated between the M3 Lagan Bridge and the AC Marriott Hotel, it will become the city’s second tallest residential building, after the nearby 85-meter Obel Tower. It will also be the third tallest residential building on the island of Ireland, following Dublin’s 79-meter Capital Dock.
In addition to the City Quays 4 scheme, Belfast Harbour has been granted permission to build 69 apartments and townhouses, including affordable housing, in the Sailortown area. These developments will be located at two sites near Pilot Street. The inclusion of affordable housing aligns with Belfast City Council’s HOU5 policy, which stipulates that residential developments on sites larger than 0.1 hectares and/or containing five or more dwelling units should include affordable units.
McAleer & Rushe’s proposal for 298 build-to-rent apartments at Tomb Street/Corporation Street has also received planning permission. Similarly, the Vinder Capital/Endeavour Investments proposal for 77 apartments at May Street has been approved. It is worth noting that neither of these schemes initially included plans for affordable units. However, planning officials have included an affordable housing review clause for both developments, which would require the delivery of affordable housing if economic conditions were to change favourably.
Developers argued that including affordable units in their schemes would make them economically unviable. However, the affordable housing review clause provides an opportunity for the future provision of affordable housing should circumstances change.
With the approval of these major schemes, Belfast is set to see significant growth in its residential sector. The addition of the tallest apartment tower in Ireland will be a notable landmark in the city’s skyline. The inclusion of affordable housing in some of the developments also reflects the council’s commitment to addressing housing affordability issues. These new residential units will contribute to meeting the growing demand for housing in central Belfast and provide an opportunity for individuals and families to secure modern, high-quality accommodation in the heart of the city.
