Development plans

Over the past few years, we have commissioned several studies to assess development options for the foreshore.

The proposed development plans for the site are designed to promote new and greener waste management solutions and to promote sustainable environmental industries.

It is proposed that the site, which includes important wildlife habitats, will also provide the city with new areas of open space for recreation and leisure.

What are the plans for the site?

We have agreed that the North Foreshore site should be developed for:

Giant's Park

This is seen as a project of national and regional significance to provide a world class park and visitor attraction.

Find out more information about Giant's Park

Environmental Resource Recovery Park

The site closed for dumping in March 2007 but the people of Belfast and surrounding areas will continue to produce waste.

Waste management continues to be an issue but this could be addressed by:
  • a Waste Transfer Station
  • providing facilities for recovery, recycling and composting of waste materials
  • providing an Energy from Waste facility
A 40 acre site on the south east corner of the site has been identified as the most suitable location for these facilities. An organisation called Arc21 will manage these facilities in line with waste management legislation.

Environmental Business Park

The development of an innovative and internationally recognised Environmental Business Park constructed using only sustainable building principles.

Find out more information about the Environmental Resource Recovery Park

Landfill gas

We have installed a network of landfill gas wells and pipework which collects gas trapped beneath the clay cap and pumps it to a central point. We are using this gas to generate sustainable 'green' electricity which is being sold to the national grid.

This is a valuable natural and sustainable energy resource which will be used for the benefit of the people of Belfast.

Park and ride

The Department of Environment Roads Service is currently investigating the possibility of locating a Park and Ride facility on the site.

Ecology and landscape

With any of our proposals we want to comply with the relevant directives, strategies, regulations and legislation concerning the protection of the site in terms of its ecology and quality of landscaping.

This is important as the site has a number of key wildfowl habitats. These include the mudflats, upper tidal levels, areas of amenity planting and scrub grassland - all of which will be protected and enhanced as part of our proposed redevelopment plans.