This urban waterfront area contains important economic assets including Belfast Waterfront Hall conference and entertainment venue and Lanyon Place transport and commercial hub. The Sirocco site, poised for mixed-use development, will potentially add 1,500 residents in the future.
The public realm adjacent to the Waterfront Hall is good quality and accessible; however, it lacks activation. Public access to the waterfront is also limited by the Waterfront Hall footprint, significant gaps in the promenade network and constrained river crossings.
There is great potential for this prime location for greater access to and interaction with the river. There is an opportunity to take advantage of the non-tidal waters and animate the water’s edge through design interventions that would accommodate floating cafes and boat rentals for example.
There is also ample shoreline for ecological enhancements that can raise awareness about healthy urban rivers.
Up river from the weir, the industrial gives way to verdant and residential areas along an almost natural waterfront. Ormeau Park on the east shore offers tranquillity and recreation, however it is currently disconnected from the Lagan by a roadway. Efforts have already been made to green the banks with riparian planting and such efforts to restore the riverbank to its natural condition should be continued.
Opportunities to build on community initiatives such as the Lagan Lock House restoration should be encouraged to create a stretch of riverfront focused on local culture.
Floating theatre in Seoul
Atlantic Park reedbeds in Santander
Bristol Harbourside walk
Wild Mile kayakers in Chicago
Cultural details along the Ōtākaro Avon River promenade in Christchurch
Bristol Harbourside walk
