Belfast Harbour has formally submitted hybrid planning applications for the Clarendon Wharf project, aiming to create up to 600 new homes within its waterfront office estate. The £222 million masterplan also includes two hotels, cafés, shops, leisure spaces, and community amenities.

The scheme repurposes historic 19th-century buildings, including the Clarendon Building, Furnace House, and Pump House, into a new food and beverage destination, preserving the area’s shipbuilding heritage. A network of pedestrian and cycle routes will connect the waterfront to Sailortown and the city centre, enhancing mobility and public realm integration.

Kevin Ryan, Belfast Harbour’s development director, said: “With the delivery of over 600 homes, the Clarendon Wharf development would truly transform this underused part of the harbour estate and help to address the growing housing need, a key goal of the Executive’s programme for government.”

The hybrid application combines a detailed full planning submission for 456 build-to-rent apartments – around 20% of which will be affordable housing – with outline permission for additional residences, hotels, and the adaptive reuse of the listed buildings. The plan also details 17,000 sq ft of ground floor space for mixed-use purposes.

Belfast Harbour has already completed projects in the area, including 256 build-to-rent apartments in City Quays 4, 69 social and affordable homes in Sailortown, and the £59m City Quays 5 office development. The new Clarendon Wharf neighbourhood is intended to link these existing developments while transforming underutilised spaces into vibrant, sustainable urban infrastructure.

Explore the full Clarendon Wharf masterplan and its impact on Belfast’s waterfront development.

(Photo Credits to Belfast Telegraph)