PUBLIC consultation events are due to place next week to scrutinise developers' proposals for a massive new residential scheme on a 3.8 acre site in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, to be known as The Loft Lines.
Lacuna Developments, Watkin Jones Group, Titanic Quarter Ltd and Belfast Harbour are partnering to deliver the project, which will comprise an integrated mix of around 800 new private rented, social and affordable apartment homes.
They have already engaged with more than 100 city stakeholders, including representatives from business, government, higher education and community organisations.
And members of the public will now be able to comment on the proposals at two online events to be held on June 1 and 3 (details how to register are at www.theloftlines.com).
The name is inspired by Belfast’s loftsmen, who planned out the life-sized plate patterns of ships on the enormous black floor of the shipyard’s mould loft, which once stood on the site of the proposed scheme.
The Loft Lines will be a fully managed site, meaning residents’ rent will include their wi-fi, gym, and other extras such as a front-of-house concierge service.
The accommodation aims to deliver a level of residential amenities unseen in Belfast to date, with proposals including resident lounges, sports and recreational spaces, gyms, flexible working space, private dining spaces, games rooms, cinema rooms and children’s play areas.
The development is being pitched at families, young professionals and older downsizers, who will have the choice of one, two, or three bed homes or studio apartments.
Social and affordable apartment homes will represent about a fifth of the scheme, and the developers say they have selected their preferred social housing partner for the project.
Anthony Best, director of Lacuna Developments, said: “This is a flagship project for Belfast that will build a new city centre community from the ground up, and we are excited to share details of our proposals for The Loft Lines, which recognise the history of this site as a place of innovation and energy.
“We want it to be a site that’s shared by those who live and visit, bringing back more of the life and vibrancy that the shipyards had and complementing the other development under way in Titanic Quarter.”
Alex Pease, chief investment officer of Watkin Jones, added: “This fantastic scheme reflects Belfast’s ambition, anticipating how people want to live in the city now and for decades to come.
“The managed homes in The Loft Lines will deliver unrivalled amenities and services for residents to enjoy, alongside stunning interior design. This will introduce a lifestyle-first model that is popular in many other successful cities across the world.”
“As well as being able to enjoy the river, people living in these new homes will join a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community with access to welcoming outside spaces, not to mention unparalleled connectivity to the city centre that encourages sustainable and healthy living.”
