Plans for a giant-themed urban adventure park and nature sanctuary have been unveiled for Belfast.

The project, situated on a former landfill site on Dargan Road in north Belfast, is a public-private partnership between Belfast City Council and Giant's Park Belfast Limited.

The Giant's Park development will encompass 250 acres and create over 1,000 permanent jobs upon completion. The initial phase will focus on a 160-acre adventure park, with construction potentially starting as early as winter 2025 pending planning permission.

The remaining 90 acres are earmarked for mixed-use development, including distribution and logistics hubs and commercial zones.

"The Giant's Park announcement is a huge boost for Belfast," said Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray. "The scale of investment and job creation, both during construction and after, is significant."

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"The project is also a major win for our tourism industry, which is already exceeding pre-pandemic economic contributions," he added. "Giant's Park will play a key role in achieving ambitious future growth targets."

According to Murray, the plans reflect the council's vision for economic, social, and environmental development on the largest development site in Belfast. The project joins other ongoing initiatives like Belfast Harbour's film studios and the Belfast Region City Deal's "Studio Ulster" facility, promising a transformative impact on north Belfast.

Kevin McKay, Chief Executive of Giant's Park Belfast Limited, highlighted the project's unique features: "For the first time in over 60 years, Belfast will see public access return to its coastal environment," he said. "The regeneration of the north foreshore will include a unique Adventure Park alongside a designated ecological area near the shoreline."

This ecological area will prioritize both public access and the preservation of the existing wildlife habitat.

"The shoreline has become a rich haven for birds and other wildlife over the past decade," explained McKay. "We've been working collaboratively to ensure the park design balances recreational needs with careful management of the surrounding ecology."

Construction is expected to begin on the adventure park after the planning process is complete. The first phase is estimated to have a two-year build program.