Plans have been approved for the extensive Waterside development at the former Sirocco works site in Belfast.
Belfast City Council say the development could create over 8,000 jobs and provide homes for more than 1,500 people while transforming the city's east bank.
The Belfast Waterside scheme will see a mixed use waterfront development made up of offices, apartments and a hotel, together with retail, hospitality and professional service units and community and leisure facilities.
Chair of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor John Hussey said the announcement marks a "significant step forward in Belfast's regeneration".
He added: "As the city starts to reopen and begin its journey to recovery, the development of Belfast’s Waterside will mark a significant step forward in Belfast’s regeneration; bringing a total £400 million of investment and potentially creating over 8,000 jobs – that’s 20% of the jobs pledged in our community plan, the Belfast Agenda.
“The Belfast Waterside development will transform a key site which has been out of use since 1999 - providing new space for city centre living and high quality office space, as well as much needed affordable housing units, ensuring it becomes a place for everyone.”
An employability and skills programme, designed to up-skill residents and reflect the jobs delivered through the scheme, will also support the project as part of a Section 76 planning agreement secured by the council.
A ‘creative cluster’ building, facing onto the River Lagan, will include a public square, reflecting the site’s industrial heritage, and providing new spaces for community and arts use.
And the 2.6 hectare site will be opened up through extensive public realm works, including a new street network and linear park, the removal of existing boundary walls, landscaping, a replacement pedestrian bridge over the River Lagan and improved access to both Short Strand and Bridge End.
For more information on Belfast’s Planning Service, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/planning and follow @belfastcc #BuildingBelfast on Twitter.
