Spanning from the Odyssey to Hickson’s Point, Abercorn Marina provides a rare glimpse of the River Lagan in use as a leisure resource. Centred around a growing marina populated with yachts and sailing boats, this is an attractive and animated stretch of the waterfront. Regeneration to date includes the Arc residential complex, Belfast Metropolitan College and related public realm enhancements.
The existing public realm at Abercorn Marina uses high quality materials. There is an opportunity to consider the river’s edge treatment to allow greater engagement with the water and diversity of user experience.
Rather than providing a continuation of the status quo of river wall with railings seen across much of Belfast’s waterfront, future plans could challenge this traditional approach. For example, a stepped seat approach could be used in Abercorn Marina which would address people’s desire to be near the water.
Spanning from the Odyssey and SSE Arena to Hickson’s Point, Abercorn Marina provides a rare glimpse of the River Lagan in use as a leisure resource. Centred around a growing marina populated with yachts and sailing boats, this is already an animated stretch of maritime waterfront.
Future design strategies should promote greater access to the water’s edge, encourage active building frontage with a focus on night-time F+B, and explore the potential opportunity to house a national or international institution on Hickson’s Point.
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