Construction firm Graham and Lacuna Developments are joining developer and residential manager, Watkin Jones, to work on the first Build-To-Rent (BTR) scheme in Northern Ireland.

Yesterday, 12 September, key stakeholders gathered at the construction site situated at The Loft Lines in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

George Dyer a Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones said: "Watkin Jones has a strong track record of developing large regeneration sites and we are delighted to bring the first BTR scheme to the city of Belfast. Titanic Quarter is developing an area that is steeped in rich history, transforming this brownfield site into a thriving place to live and acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

"The development is being brought to fruition by a partnership approach between all stakeholders and funders and we are grateful for the genuine collaboration we have experienced with our partners. This event demonstrates the progress the teams are making for the city of Belfast."

Anthony Best, Managing Director at Lacuna Developments said: "Lacuna Developments has been very active in Belfast over the last seven years developing residential led schemes. It is fantastic for Lacuna, alongside our development partners, to see Graham on site bringing this development to life. We are also leading the way in bringing forward another first for the city in BTR, social and affordable housing at The Loft Lines. Along with public realm, retail for the wider TQ community and a creche which the scheme will deliver, it is hugely exciting to be involved in the event."

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The site is being transformed into a new urban riverside residential community and has been forward funded by Legal and General.

John Godfrey, a Director of Levelling Up at Legal and General said: "It is widely accepted that greater investment in our regional towns and cities, particularly to deliver new homes, is needed. As our first scheme in Northern Ireland, this is an important and significant step. We strongly believe in the power of pensions capital and the role it plays in accelerating investment-led economic growth, and unlocking much-needed regeneration in all parts of the UK. We hope The Loft Lines scheme will do just that for the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter, the local economy, and broader community of Belfast; we're delighted to mark the start of its journey."

Once completed the site will also provide social homes for Clanmil Housing Association.

Carol McTaggart a Group Chief Executive at Clanmil Housing stated: "At Clanmil we provide homes for people to live well, and we are delighted to be part of The Loft Lines, bringing 81 new social rented homes to Titanic Quarter for people who need them.

"Northern Ireland is in the midst of a housing crisis with the highest waiting lists for over a decade. These new social homes, delivered with support from the Department of Communities and NIHE, will help address this growing need, whilst also supporting Northern Ireland’s construction industry and helping to boost our economy.

"We look forward to welcoming residents who will be able to enjoy all the benefits of city centre living within a vibrant new waterfront community.”

In total, 778 new homes will be constructed with 627 BTR homes and 151 affordable homes. With a range of housing sizes from studios to three bedroom apartments, the development will appeal to a range of people.

Taking a 'resident first' approach, The Loft Lines will include lounges, cinema rooms children's play areas, sports facilities and recreational spaces.

Supporting the city's aim to reduce its carbon footprint, the development will prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over the use of cars.

The Loft Lines will help to regenerate Queens Island, on a site that was previously a part of the Harland and Wolff shipbuilding company.