Belfast Harbour plans major residential development

Belfast Harbour has unveiled a multi-million-pound masterplan for Clarendon Wharf, a project to create a sustainable, connected city centre neighbourhood. 

Proposed illustrative CGI of the development on Corporation Street

The plan includes developing up to 600 new homes, diverse commercial and leisure facilities, restoring historic dry docks, and unlocking over 4 hectares of public green space.
A planning application for Clarendon Wharf, expected to be reviewed by Belfast City Council later this year. The development will connect with existing City Quays projects, including the recently opened City Quays Gardens, approved City Quays 4 apartments, City Quays 5 office/retail building, and 69 social/affordable homes in Sailortown.
The initial phase will focus on approximately 450 high-quality rental homes, offering one and two-bedroom apartments. This phase will include affordable housing at discounted market rents and wheelchair-accessible units to accommodate a variety of residents.
Sustainability is a key focus, with Belfast Harbour aiming for an all-electric development and BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential accreditation, ensuring high standards for sustainability and quality.
This development aligns with Belfast Harbour's 'Advance Regional Prosperity' Strategy 2025-29, which aims to deliver 325 new homes and initiate development for over 3,000 additional homes by 2029. Clarendon Wharf is also a signature project within Belfast Harbour's broader 2050 draft Masterplan for its 809-hectare estate.
Beyond housing, the scheme proposes around 3,000 m2 of ground-floor retail, leisure, and community spaces, along with a hotel and apart-hotel. 
Joe O’Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “Clarendon Wharf represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine this important part of Belfast’s waterfront. Our vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable city centre neighbourhood that combines new homes, employment space, and leisure opportunities alongside exceptional public realm development. This project will not only help meet the city’s critical housing needs but also reinforce Belfast Harbour’s role as a catalyst for regeneration.”
Kevin Ryan, director of Development at Belfast Harbour, added: “Clarendon Wharf has been carefully designed by an international and local team of experts who have undertaken research and engagement into successful neighbourhoods to balance the delivery of high-quality homes with the sensitive treatment of Belfast Harbour’s rich heritage assets. By enhancing connections to the city centre, opening up new green and blue spaces, and supporting active travel, this scheme will deliver a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Belfast.”
The project will carefully restore the historic dry docks, considered the site's "jewel," preserving their heritage for future generations. Clarendon Dock will be transformed into a unique waterfront lido, celebrating Belfast’s industrial past while offering space for cultural and recreational activities.
Additionally, the plans involve revitalizing listed buildings, enhancing other historic assets, and incorporating climate-resilient design elements like rain gardens and biodiversity-focused landscaping. 
The Clarendon Wharf masterplan was developed by architects Maccreanor Lavington (based in London and Rotterdam) and Landscape Designers Gillespie’s (who also designed City Quays Gardens).