GRAHAM and TODD Architects have welcomed 20 students from Queen's University Belfast to The Loft Lines, a landmark residential-led development in the Titanic Quarter.

The first-year architecture and engineering students saw the excavation and laying of foundations and witnessed the importance of teamwork and collaboration between different trades on a complex development, helping them to understand how their studies apply to real-life construction projects.

Delivered on behalf of Watkin Jones and Legal & General, The Loft Lines is set to be the city's most sought-after riverside development. It includes 778 apartments, with 151 being affordable homes and 627 being Belfast's first build-to-rent (BTR) units. The project features outdoor spaces such as scenic walkways, an urban woodland and a waterfront promenade, set to be a highlight of the Titanic Quarter.

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John Monahan, project manager at GRAHAM, said: "It was fantastic to welcome students to one of the most ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in the city. Strengthening partnerships with students allows us to connect with the next generation of construction workers and enables us to offer valuable guidance for taking the next steps in their career."

Prior to their arrival at the site, the students received an introduction to the Loft Lines development from TODD Architects. They were briefed on the plans and engaged in discussions regarding the key factors that influenced the proposals for one of the largest residential developments in Belfast.

Rachel Colbert, associate director at TODD Architects, said: "We were delighted to give the students an opportunity to observe the ongoing works on a live site and get an understanding of how those architectural plans and elevations become a reality through detailed coordination and collaborative working between the design team, contractor, and client.

"The students were visibly enthusiastic to learn more about the various trades on site and develop their knowledge of career options in the Construction industry."

GRAHAM is dedicated to fostering career paths into the construction industry via its specialised GRAHAM Academy. This initiative includes a graduate development program, apprenticeships, work experience opportunities and undergraduate placements. In the past year alone, the Building North division has seen a remarkable surge in new apprentices, increasing its headcount from 18 to 38 roles. These roles span trainee engineers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers and site managers.