Belfast City Quay Gardens

Activating the waterfront

Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) are regenerating Belfast’s historic docklands into a vibrant, mixed-use quarter along the city’s iconic waterfront. Once the heart of Belfast’s shipbuilding industry, home to the world-renowned Harland & Wolff shipyard and the construction of the RMS Titanic, the docklands have long represented the city’s rich maritime heritage. Now, through a significant multi-million-pound investment, the area is being reimagined as a dynamic destination for business, living, and leisure.

At the forefront of this transformation is the City Quays development, which revitalises the waterfront with commercial offices, retail spaces, hotels, and residential accommodations. At the heart of Belfast’s dynamic new waterfront quarter lies City Quays Gardens, a bold, innovative project designed by Gillespies.

A place for everyone

Previously a car park next to the historic Harbour Offices, this 0.8-hectare (2-acre) space has been reinvented into a vibrant, sustainable urban oasis. The gardens feature lush green areas, amphitheatre-style event lawns for social gatherings and community events, and outdoor workspaces equipped with public 5G Wi-Fi, offering a lively shared environment for all.

City Quays Gardens' unique character is brought to life with playful elements like a swinging seat, striking artworks, and the eye-catching ‘gateway nest’—a sculptural art piece comprised of concentric rings symbolising a bird's nest, illuminated at night. These thoughtful design features create a welcoming atmosphere where people can relax, socialise, and connect, making the gardens a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors. As evening falls, cutting-edge, interactive lighting design creates a safe and playful environment but also aids wayfinding, connecting Belfast City with the Quays.