Plans have been unveiled for a £400m new riverfront district on one of Belfast’s largest development sites at Sirocco Quays.
Swinford (Sirocco) Ltd’s proposed regeneration of the 16-acre site, which formerly housed Sirocco Engineering Works, will include c740,000 sq ft of offices, 815 homes and leisure facilities, including a hotel, restaurants and shops.
The addition of a pedestrian footbridge will create access from the Waterfront Hall and connect the site to the city.
Philip Silk, director of Swinford, said: “Sirocco Quays will establish new benchmarks for quality across the office and residential space, and bring the first truly international branded hotel to Belfast.
“We are creating new construction jobs, and will build modern workspace for approximately 11.5% of the 46,000 new jobs Belfast City Council is seeking to create by 2035. We are part of Belfast Agenda and want to contribute to the life, economy and community of the city.
“Our plans for 815 new homes are the largest residential development in the city centre. It will include a mix of private, rental, social and affordable accommodation. The new neighbourhood at Sirocco will deliver high-quality riverside living for a population of 1,600 new residents, and boast new amenities including bars, restaurants and retail, all in an inspiring and exciting new environment.
“We have recognised the unmatched opportunity to extend and complement the traditional centre of Belfast, and bring the opposite bank of the River Lagan back into the life of the city. This is a site of significant importance to the continuing regeneration of both the city centre and East Belfast, and to the continued growth of Northern Ireland’s economy.”
Swinford will now undertake a 12-week consultation, including three public exhibitions, before submitting a planning application to Belfast City Council.
The former industrial site, now derelict brownfield, was purchased by Swinford in August 2016 with completion in January this year.
It was once the site of the world’s largest rope works, set up by Samuel Davidson in 1881.
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