Belfast Harbour unveils residential redevelopment plan for Clarendon Wharf
The scheme will create 600 new homes and restoration of historic docks.
2 October 2025
Belfast Harbour has announced a major redevelopment proposal for Clarendon Wharf, aiming to transform an historic part of the city’s waterfront into a sustainable and inclusive urban neighbourhood. The multi-million-pound scheme, described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity, outlines the creation of up to 600 new homes and over 10 acres of new public realm, including the restoration of listed dry docks and the integration of cultural and leisure spaces.
A planning application for the development has been submitted to Belfast City Council and is expected to be considered later this year. The project represents a significant step in Belfast Harbour's wider 2050 Masterplan and its 2025-29 strategic goal to deliver 325 homes and begin development on over 3,000 more.
The first phase will see the construction of around 450 one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent, including wheelchair-accessible units and homes offered at discounted market rents. The development will target BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential accreditation and will be all-electric, aligning with Belfast Harbour's sustainability goals.
Clarendon Wharf will be closely integrated with existing developments in the City Quays area. It builds on earlier projects including City Quays Gardens, City Quays 4 (a 256-unit Build-to-Rent development), City Quays 5 (a mixed-use office and retail building), and 69 social and affordable homes at Pilot Street in Sailortown.
The new neighbourhood will include approximately 3,000 square metres of ground-floor space for commercial, leisure, and community use, alongside plans for a hotel and apart-hotel. Belfast Harbour says these additions are designed to support economic activity, job creation, and enhance the city's appeal to visitors.
Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said the project would help meet urgent housing needs and support city centre regeneration. “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,” he said.
A standout feature of the scheme is its extensive public realm strategy. This includes a 5-acre central square and dock area, green landscaping, and new walking and cycling routes that connect Clarendon Wharf with the rest of the city and the Maritime Mile.
Historic features such as the dry docks will be restored and repurposed to preserve the site's maritime heritage. Clarendon Dock is set to be converted into a waterfront lido for cultural and recreational use. Other listed buildings will also be revitalised, while new climate-resilient measures like rain gardens and biodiversity-focused landscaping will be incorporated.
Kevin Ryan, Director of Development at Belfast Harbour, said the design was shaped by both international expertise and local context. "This scheme will deliver a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone who lives in, works in, and visits Belfast," he added.
A 12-week public consultation process will follow the submission of a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN), including in-person events and an online consultation platform.