DEVELOPERS have been asked to bring forward their ideas for what should go on a huge chunk of the the sprawling 340-acre Giant's Park on Belfast's north foreshore.
Among the future uses for the site, which was formerly a barren wasteland, could be shops, offices, hotels - and a possible sporting or concert venue.
And such is its sheer scale that it is likely to attract interest from local, national and international investors.
Belfast City Council, which owns the site, is inviting commercial, leisure led, mixed use expressions of interest for a 200-acre section (at the northern and western end) of the park.
The southern section of the site has already been earmarked for an innovative cleantech hub for companies working in the renewable energy, recycling and other environmental technologies, and a state-of-the-art £20 million film studio complex, led by Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
More than £9 million has already been spent on infrastructure works including a new spine road, the installation of key services, new access directly off Dargan Road and new landscaping and planting.
Some £6m towards the project came from Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund, with Belfast City Council's £3.5m of support including a significant in-kind land contribution.
But now attention is turning to the major part of the site, which represents possibly the largest single commercial development opportunity to come to the market in Belfast.
Jago Bret of commercial property agents GVA NI said: “This is a significant regeneration project for the city of Belfast and one we are very excited to be involved in.
“The site offers an unrivalled opportunity for developers with the experience and ability to acquire, build and manage a commercial leisure led, mixed use development in the heart of the city and we are expecting a lot of interest.”
Councillor John Hussey, who chairs the City Council’s strategic policy and resources committee said: “Giant’s Park offers huge potential to deliver physical, economic and social benefits for Belfast.
"We want to transform this former landfill facility into a safe, sustainable asset which attracts investment and creates jobs and other opportunities for our citizens – and we welcome innovative proposals that will help us to deliver on our ambitious plans for the city.”
Giant's Park has already been mooted as a possible concert venue or site for a sports stadium.
The scheme also has the potential to create up to 400 jobs, enhance Northern Ireland's economic infrastructure, encourage innovation, collaborative research and development, and develop the green economy.
Expressions of interest are being sought by Jago Bret or Gavin Weir at GVA NI and must be submitted by March 31.
