The Belfast Waterfront Promenade is set to extend across nine distinct character areas, spanning from Sailortown to Ormeau Park. Spearheaded by the Danish firm Schulze+Grassov, known for their work on notable projects such as Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz and London’s Design District, this transformative initiative envisions the creation of new pedestrian and cycle bridges, public spaces, playgrounds, heritage trails, floating boardwalks, and zones for businesses.
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The Belfast Waterfront Task Group, composed of representatives from key entities like the Maritime Belfast Trust, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Ltd, Tourism NI, and Stormont departments, collaborated to formulate this innovative approach. Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of the Maritime Belfast Trust, sees this as the inaugural phase of a 30-year developmental journey.
Belfast Waterfront Promenade
While acknowledging that the transformation won’t be instantaneous, Sweeney envisions Belfast evolving into a vibrant waterfront city, comparable to the likes of Copenhagen, Stockholm, or Seattle. Oliver Schulze, of Schulze+Grassov, emphasized the shift in global waterfront dynamics from industrial spaces to inviting riverfronts, stating that cities should view their rivers as the “front of house” rather than the “back of house.”
Schulze highlighted the need for a cohesive strategy, stating that the full potential of this generational opportunity can only be realized through a united effort. Observing Belfast’s current layout as more fragmented than Copenhagen, he stressed the importance of creating multiple crossings to avoid dead-end situations.
Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, Chair of Belfast City Council’s city growth and regeneration committee, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the regeneration process. She urged for direct input and representation from Belfast residents on the Waterfront Task Group to ensure that the benefits of the project directly impact and align with the needs of the local population.
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