Belfast Harbour has submitted a planning application for the Clarendon Wharf development, a major city centre scheme that will deliver up to 600 new homes alongside commercial, leisure and community facilities.

The first phase proposes around 450 high-quality rental apartments, in a mix of one and two-bedroom units. These will include wheelchair-accessible homes as well as an affordable element offered at discounted market rents. Future phases will bring the total to around 600 homes.

The project has been designed to integrate with the surrounding City Quays area, connecting directly into existing developments including City Quays Gardens, City Quays 4 (256 Build-to-Rent apartments), City Quays 5 (Grade A offices with ground floor retail and restaurant use), and 69 social and affordable homes at Pilot Street in Sailortown.

Construction will target BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential accreditation and an all-electric design, with sustainability standards independently verified. The proposals also set out around 3,000 square metres of active ground floor space for retail, leisure and community use, as well as a hotel and apart-hotel.

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A central feature of the scheme is its public realm strategy. More than ten acres of open space will be created or upgraded, including a five-acre central square and dock, extensive landscaping, and new pedestrian and cycle connections to the city and the Maritime Mile. Historic dry docks will be restored, with Clarendon Dock repurposed as a waterfront lido, while listed buildings will be revitalised and integrated into the scheme. Climate-resilient features such as rain gardens and biodiversity-led planting are also planned.

Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: "Clarendon Wharf represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine this important part of Belfast's waterfront. Our vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable city centre neighbourhood that combines new homes, employment space, and leisure opportunities alongside exceptional public realm development. This project will not only help meet the city's critical housing needs but also reinforce Belfast Harbour's role as a catalyst for regeneration."

Kevin Ryan, Director of Development at Belfast Harbour, added: "Clarendon Wharf has been carefully designed by an international and local team of experts who have undertaken research and engagement into successful neighbourhoods to balance the delivery of high-quality homes with the sensitive treatment of Belfast Harbour's rich heritage assets. By enhancing connections to the city centre, opening up new green and blue spaces, and supporting active travel, this scheme will deliver a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Belfast."

Clarendon Wharf forms part of Belfast Harbour's long-term 2050 Masterplan and contributes to its 2025–29 strategy, which sets out targets to deliver 325 new homes and begin the process of developing over 3,000 more by 2029. A Proposal of Application Notice has been submitted to Belfast City Council, with a 12-week public consultation process now underway.