A proposal has been set out for 71 new affordable homes in Belfast Harbour.

Belfast Harbour submitted a formal planning application to Belfast City Council for the project as part of the latest phase of its City Quays masterplan.

Belfast Harbour's City Quays is a contemporary, sustainable waterfront development that currently includes commercial offices, retail, and multi-storey car parking, as well as the AC by Marriott Hotel and planned new City Quays Gardens which will provide new public space for local and visiting communities.

The new proposals submitted are for 71 new high quality affordable homes, including social rented units, located across two sites at Pilot Street and Corporation Street adjacent to Clarendon Dock and City Quays.

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Belfast Harbour will work with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the local community to ensure the proposed make up and quality of the homes meets high sustainability standards and delivers high-quality internal and external communal amenity space for residents on both ground floor and upper floor levels.

Kevin Ryan, Development Director at Belfast Harbour said: "This proposal for 71 affordable new homes in Pilot Street and Corporation Street represents a contribution of approximately 28% of the Build to Rent accommodation planned at City Quays 4, providing a combined total of 327 new homes. It is our hope that these new homes will help address some of the live and pressing need for affordable housing, including social rented homes, for families and individuals in Belfast.

"Belfast Harbour is committed to playing its part in supporting and further developing the vibrancy of the local communities on our doorstep, such as Sailortown, working with them on regeneration efforts that build on the strong community spirit and their pride in the area.

"We will be consulting with the local community as the scheme progresses through the planning system and would encourage all interested parties to provide their feedback on the proposals."

Work on the affordable housing project is expected to commence in 2024, subject to planning permission being granted. The search has also begun to secure a housing association partner to operate the scheme.