BELFAST Harbour has formally launched a planning application to develop a new affordable housing scheme in the Sailortown area of the city.
The port previously announced plans for a social and affordable project in tandem with its bid to build 256 buy-to-rent apartments at City Quays.
Belfast Harbour has now confirmed plans to separately develop 71 affordable housing units on two sites at Pilot Street and Corporation Street, adjacent to Clarendon Dock and City Quays.
The commitment was made in recognition of the planning guidance in Belfast that major residential schemes should comprise of at least 20 per cent affordable housing.
One of the sites, located next to the American Bar, is currently used as a surface level car park by the Mediahuis Group, which owns the Belfast Telegraph. The second site, next to the Dockers’ social club and gym, is currently occupied by industrial units.
Subject to planning approval, work on the new Sailortown housing project is expected to begin in 2024.
The Harbour said the affordable housing scheme will include social rented units, with work to secure a housing association partner to operate the scheme, currently underway.
Belfast Harbour is also taking forward plans to redevelop a new public green space in the area.
The City Quays Gardens would see a large area of the car park next to the Harbour Commissioners office converted into a public amenity area featuring lawns, public seating and a plaza.
Belfast Harbour’s development director, Kevin Ryan, said the City Quays and Sailortown schemes combined will see 327 new residential units built, with around 28 per cent made up of affordable housing.
“It is our hope that these new homes will help address some of the live and pressing need for affordable housing, including social rented homes, for families and individuals in Belfast,” he said.
“Belfast Harbour is committed to playing its part in supporting and further developing the vibrancy of the local communities on our doorstep, such as Sailortown, working with them on regeneration efforts that build on the strong community spirit and their pride in the area.
“We will be consulting with the local community as the scheme progresses through the planning system and would encourage all interested parties to provide their feedback on the proposals.”
