Belfast City Council has appointed an integrated design team to deliver the feasibility and concept design for the new Sailortown Bridge, connecting Sailortown to the Titanic Quarter across the River Lagan. The early design phase will be led by global consulting engineer Arup and bridge designer Knight Architects, supported by Eadon Consulting and Cumming Group.

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Sailortown Bridge will help us achieve the Belfast Waterfront Framework’s vision of a better connected, more vibrant and more attractive corridor linking to and with key education, leisure, tourism and economic destinations, neighbourhood communities and the city centre.” He added, “With this level of expertise on board, I’m confident that the resulting design concepts will be iconic, and that the bridge will encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle to the many key destinations around the Harbour Loop along both sides of the River Lagan.”

Héctor Beade, Design Director at Knight Architects, described the project as “exciting” due to the area’s shipbuilding history, unique waterfront setting, river navigation requirements, and modal shift opportunities. He said, “We are looking forward to getting started with our integrated consultant team partners on this transformational scheme for the people of Belfast.”

Mike Mitchell, Project Director at Arup, emphasised the bridge’s contribution to active travel infrastructure. “In connecting the historic Sailortown district with the Titanic Quarter via an opening bridge, the uninterrupted active travel corridor from the Lagan Gateway will be extended, whilst also providing stronger links to the recently upgraded York Street train station,” he said.

Follow the full details on how Belfast’s new bridge project is reshaping urban connectivity and waterfront regeneration.

(Photo Credits to Belfast City Council)