Our Proposals

What is Being Proposed?

The proposals, which are being brought forward by Belfast City Council and Belfast Harbour, aim to improve the connectivity links between the city centre, City Quays / Sailortown and the Waterfront, and to provide two enhanced urban recreation spaces in the areas under the M3 bridge.

The project is aligned to the ambitions of the Waterfront Task Group and to those set out in the Belfast Agenda and A Bolder Vision for Belfast. It also complements the emerging Eastern Transport Plan and the Belfast Cycling Network, aiming to deliver people-focused infrastructure to ensure that existing and incoming residents are connected to opportunities and amenities along the waterfront and across the wider city.

An aerial layout of the proposed Urban Recreation Space as part of the Under the Bridges project (West) (click to enlarge)

Delivering New Recreation Spaces

Building on the recent success of City Quays Gardens, the new spaces will transform a poorly lit, under-utilised area of the city, into vibrant destinations.

Designed to serve existing and future residents, students, tourists and people working in the city, the new spaces will offer a dynamic environment where people can play, observe and challenge themselves in a safe, social setting.

An aerial layout of the proposed Urban Recreation Space as part of the Under the Bridges project (East) (click to enlarge)

Enhanced Movement and Accessibility

The project will create much-needed urban recreation spaces for the existing residents from Sailortown, the University accommodation and the surrounding area, as well as for new incoming residents. The area is served by sustainable modes of transport, with public transport routes and Belfast Bikes docking stations in close proximity. Key routes and pedestrian crossings to and through the site will be upgraded, while an Active Travel scheme (being developed by the Department for Infrastructure) will provide access for cyclists from across the city.

Improved Gateways

The proposals will deliver enhancements to four key streets (Little Patrick Street, Gamble Street, Donegall Quay and South Tomb Street). This will create improved gateways to the masterplan area, designed to enhance the accessibility and connectivity across the space.

Map of existing and enhanced routes through the project area (click to enlarge)

Little Patrick Street

The gateway at Little Patrick Street builds on the proposed redevelopment of the public realm and operation of Little York Street and Little Patrick Street. Raised table crossings at either end of Little Patrick Street will slow traffic and enhance the pedestrian priority. More sympathetic boundary treatment to the skate park will allow for the creation of a pocket park with trees, planting and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems function as well as social seating. A new signalised pedestrian crossing (part of the Department for Infrastructure’s Active Travel scheme) will improve connectivity from the student accommodation to the urban recreation space under the bridge.

Gamble Street

A new gateway at Gamble Street will prioritise improved pedestrian access to the proposed Housing-led regeneration scheme on Corporation Street / Exchange Street and become a major intersection between pedestrian and cycle routes from Sailortown, City Quays, the Waterfront and the city centre. Gamble Street will also benefit from improved pedestrian access and egress from the urban recreation space under the bridge as well as improved greening interventions.

Proposed street interventions at Little Patrick Street & Gamble Street. (click to enlarge)

Donegall Quay

By installing a raised table crossing on Donegall Quay, traffic will naturally slow down, significantly improving safety for pedestrians crossing from the waterfront to the city centre. These changes will also strengthen connections between the new recreational spaces and enhance wayfinding throughout the area, creating a better overall experience for locals and visitors alike.

South Tomb Street

With significant redevelopment planned in the coming years, the character of Tomb Street is set to evolve. Emphasis will shift toward walking, wheeling, and cycling, reducing the need for the junction to accommodate peak vehicle volumes. Instead, pedestrians will take priority. By tightening corner radii and introducing a raised table crossing, vehicle speeds will be reduced, creating space for a pocket of green infrastructure. This will contribute to sustainable urban drainage, introduce trees and amenity planting, and offer a resting spot for people on their journey.

Proposed street interventions at Tomb Street and Gamble Street. (click to enlarge)

Enhanced Lighting across the Sites

Enhanced lighting is a key feature of the Under the Bridges project, shaping its identity as a vibrant and inviting destination. The bridge structures - with their sculptural, tree-like piers and sweeping decks - will be celebrated through dynamic LED feature lighting. This will illuminate not only the architecture but also seating areas, planting, and activity zones, blending functional brightness with artistic expression. The lighting strategy is designed to encourage movement, interaction, and moments of pause, creating a safe, adaptable environment with a playful sense of place that also references the area’s maritime heritage.

Proposed lighting strategy for the area covered within the Under the Bridges project. (click to enlarge)

Driving Greater Sustainability

Sustainability is a core objective of Under the Bridges, delivered through Green and Blue Infrastructure, and through climate resilient design. Key interventions include green gateways that form biodiversity stepping stones, along with street trees and rain gardens that establish new green links through the area. These features enhance ecological connectivity while supporting climate adaptation and improving the overall public realm.