Belfast City Council has approved plans for a 1,007-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
Developer Watkin Jones secured planning for the project which is located on one of Europe’s largest waterfront regeneration projects, Titanic Quarter estate.
The proposals will regenerate a currently vacant former industrial site, delivering high-quality, environmentally sustainable accommodation across two phases.
Delivery team: Designed by Belfast-based architects, Todd architects; independent planning and development consultancy, Turley.
In terms of amenities offered, Titanic Quarter Student Village exceeds any operational, in-construction, or proposed purpose-built management student accommodation scheme Belfast.
Titanic Quarter aims to deliver new private, social, and affordable homes for more than 8,000 new residents before 2035, alongside commercial, leisure and hospitality development.
The car-free scheme aims to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, and include:
- rooftop solar panels
- carbon-free heating using air source heat pumps and heat recovery units
- rainwater recovery systems
The scheme will also enhance sustainable travel between the site and universities through a green travel fund.
George Dyer, Group Investment Director of Watkin Jones, said: “We are pleased that Belfast City Council has approved the Titanic Quarter Student Village application.
“This scheme will help to address the growing need for PBSA accommodation in Belfast whilst supporting a sustainable and safe community for living, working, and leisure.
“Our proposals include a landscaped courtyard garden and amenities including gyms, common rooms, and recreation facilities, complementing the restaurants, cafés, bars, and park at this waterfront location.
“The Student Village is the second proposed investment in Titanic Quarter by the joint venture, having forward sold the Loft Lines, a BTR development, to Legal & General and Clanmil Housing last year.
“Through both projects we have collaborated closely with Titanic Quarter Limited and Belfast Harbour Commissioners, delivering part of its longer-term vision for Queen’s Island, regenerating a former industrial area into a sustainable place to live, study and play.”
Anthony Best, managing director of Lacuna Developments, added: “We believe that our Titanic Quarter Student Village offers students and academics from all institutions across the city a fresh choice for managed accommodation, in an exciting area of the city.
“We are responding to the very real demand from all our universities and higher education colleges for managed student accommodation.
“Belfast is a great city, with a growing knowledge economy that needs students and graduates living here to be successful.”
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