London, UK – 25 Sept, 2025 – Belfast Harbour has announced a multi-million-pound masterplan for Clarendon Wharf, marking a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a sustainable, vibrant, and connected neighbourhood in Belfast’s city centre. The development aims to provide up to 600 new homes, encompassing a mix of residential, commercial, leisure, and community uses in a landmark waterfront setting.
The initial phase will deliver approximately 450 high-quality rental homes, including one- and two-bedroom apartments, affordable units at discounted market rents, and wheelchair-accessible dwellings. This significant housing contribution directly supports Belfast’s critical need for new accommodation, reflecting the city’s strategic growth objectives and population requirements.
A defining feature of the scheme is the creation and enhancement of over 10 acres of public realm. This will include a new five-acre central square and dock, expanded green spaces, and modern pedestrian and cycling routes that improve connectivity within the city. Historic dry docks, identified as the “jewel” of the site, are to be restored and reimagined, while Clarendon Dock will be transformed into a distinctive waterfront lido hosting cultural and leisure activities for residents and visitors alike.
The proposals encompass around 3,000 square metres of new active ground floor usage, integrating retail, leisure, and community spaces, alongside the addition of a hotel and an apart-hotel. These amenities are anticipated to create new employment opportunities and add value to Belfast’s visitor economy, ensuring the area appeals to a broad range of users.
Sustainability sits at the core of the masterplan, with Clarendon Wharf targeting all-electric development and the pursuit of BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential accreditation. These measures provide independent verification of sustainability and quality standards, supporting the city’s net zero commitments and future resilience. Further, climate-resilient elements such as rain gardens and biodiversity-focused landscaping are planned to integrate the natural environment and elevate quality of life for residents.
The masterplan aligns closely with Belfast Harbour’s ‘Advance Regional Prosperity’ Strategy 2025–29, which sets out to deliver 325 new homes and progress towards developing 3,000 additional units by 2029. Clarendon Wharf is recognised as a signature project within the evolving 2050 draft Masterplan for the 2,000-acre Harbour Estate, demonstrating the ambition to provide long-term, sustainable urban transformation.
A comprehensive 12-week pre-application community consultation process will be undertaken, allowing stakeholders and the public to review the plans, attend events, and contribute feedback through a dedicated website. This extensive consultation is designed to ensure that the project includes community input and reflects the priorities and insights of local residents and businesses.
In an official press release, Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, stated: “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, commented: “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 Clarendon Wharf masterplan is expected to make a significant and lasting contribution to Belfast’s regeneration, integrating high standards of residential living, forward-thinking environmental measures, and heritage-focused placemaking. As planning progresses, Belfast Harbour invites feedback from city stakeholders on this ambitious vision for a thriving waterfront community.
