Titanic Quarter Regeneration, Belfast
Transformational redevelopment of historic Belfast waterfront site
We have led a masterplanning process to devise a Development Framework that has guided the regeneration of Titanic Quarter on Queen’s Island Belfast since 2008, with interconnected projects forming part of the wider transformation.
Rich maritime history
Titanic Quarter occupies the historic Queen’s Island area of Belfast, the birthplace of one of the world’s most significant shipbuilding industries. Developed during the 19th Century as Belfast Harbour expanded, the site became home to Harland & Wolff, whose shipyard grew into one of the largest in the world and constructed the RMS Titanic between 1909 and 1912.
Image credit: Donal McCann Photography
- The regeneration of this historic shipyard demanded a strategic and collaborative approach. By identifying key issues early, preparing high-quality planning submissions and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships, we helped drive a smooth and timely planning process.
- Our work unlocked the site's development potential, securing the removal of land-use and height restrictions and enabling outline planning permission for a 25-hectare mixed-use scheme. The site includes historic docks and slipways, listed buildings and scheduled monuments, and was formerly restricted to low-rise industrial uses.
- We secured planning permissions for the conversion of the former Harland and Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices to a Boutique Hotel and iconic tourist and event facilities at the Titanic Quarter.
Interconnected projects forming part of the wider transformation
Titanic Hotel
- Supported the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices, where Titanic and many other iconic vessels were designed.
- Transformed a vacant heritage asset into a landmark 4-star hotel at the heart of Titanic Quarter, helping to preserve Belfast’s maritime legacy.
- Brought a significant listed building back into productive use, safeguarding an important part of the former shipyard and supporting the wider regeneration of Queen’s Island.
- Enhanced Titanic Quarter’s tourism and hospitality offer through a unique heritage destination combining hotel accommodation, event space, and historic attractions.
- Contributed to the creation of a vibrant mixed-use waterfront district, attracting visitors, investment, and economic activity to Belfast’s Innovation District.
Titanic Hotel
Queen’s Island Masterplan Economic and Social Value Assessment
- Undertook an economic evaluation of the Queen’s Island masterplan, building on the 2022 Social Value Study and 2023 Transport Plan stakeholder engagement.
- Assessed the social value of the mixed-use redevelopment, projected to grow from 12,200 jobs and 1,000 residents today to 27,100 jobs and 8,900 residents by 2035.
- In 2023, we led the Stakeholder Engagement for the Queen’s Island Transport Plan to develop sustainable infrastructure and green travel in the area. Underpinned by the UK Design Council’s “Double Diamond” methodology a co-design process was used. We have a long partnership with Titanic Quarter and Belfast Harbour Commissioners, as the masterplan led to sustained economic growth, employment, space for emerging industries, resulting in a more competitive Belfast.
Queen's Island
Student Village
- Provided Planning, Heritage & Townscape and Strategic Communications services to support planning approval for a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme within Belfast’s Innovation District.
- Supported the regeneration of a vacant former industrial site, delivering 1,007 student bedspaces across a phased development in Titanic Quarter.
- Helped secure consent for a highly sustainable, car-free development targeting BREEAM Excellent, incorporating rooftop solar PV, air source heat pumps, and rainwater recovery systems.
- Contributed to the wider regeneration vision for Queen’s Island, supporting growth in residential, educational and innovation-led development.
- The scheme provides extensive student amenities, enhanced active travel connections and accommodation to help address Belfast’s growing student housing demand.
Titanic Quarter Student Village
Titanic Belfast - world-class visitor centre
- Supported the delivery of Titanic Belfast, a world-leading visitor attraction located at the heart of the Quarter.
- The iconic visitor centre opened in 2012, marking the centenary of Titanic’s maiden voyage and helping to drive the wider regeneration of Queen’s Island.
- Created a significant economic and visitor attraction asset for Belfast, enhancing the city’s international profile and supporting growth in tourism and hospitality
Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre
Olympic House - Grade A office space
- Supported the delivery of Olympic House, a landmark 146,000 sq ft Grade A office development in the heart of Belfast’s Innovation District at Titanic Quarter.
- Delivered high-quality, flexible workspace designed to accommodate both single and multi-occupier requirements, supporting business growth and inward investment.
- Achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, setting a benchmark for sustainable commercial development in Belfast.
- Enhanced the commercial offer of Titanic Quarter, complementing a cluster of international occupiers including Citi, Microsoft, IBM, SAP and Amazon.
- Contributed to the ongoing regeneration of Queen’s Island through the creation of modern employment space, sustainable transport connections and high-quality public realm.
Olympic House
Additional interconnected projects include:
- Arc apartments and Abercorn Arc public realm
- reefLIVE aquarium
- Refurbishment of the former Titanic & Olympic Slipways and new road infrastructure
