Givan launches masterplan to reinvigorate Belfast’s Greater Clarendon (Sailortown) Area

Minister for Communities, Paul Givan MLA, has today launched a new Masterplan to help shape the future development and regeneration of the Greater Clarendon (Sailortown) area.

Sailortown is located north of Belfast city centre adjacent to City Quays, and this Masterplan draws together the area’s land use opportunities showing how these can be integrated to ensure a coherent approach towards future development. It also seeks to complement the existing suite of statutory plans and policies and take account of the likely impact of the proposed York Street Interchange on the area. 

Minister Givan said: “Sailortown is a historically significant area of Belfast, intrinsically linked to the economy of the city and its trade; however the last 50 years have witnessed significant decline, with the reduction in population and employment opportunities and the loss of much of its original character. 

“This Masterplan creates an opportunity to reinvigorate Sailortown by encouraging comprehensive development and linking the area back to the city centre through the design and improvement of key routes. The Masterplan can help create the right conditions to attract investors, employers, residents and visitors back to Sailortown capitalising on other major developments in the neighbouring areas such as the new Ulster University campus.”

The Masterplan is a long term, 10-15 year vision for the area. It aims to take account of its key waterfront position, and create seamless links between Greater Clarendon, the city centre and the Laganside area, as well as encouraging comprehensive rather than piecemeal development.

It presents a range of specific proposals in terms of land use; key transport, pedestrian and cycle links; opportunities for a new neighbourhood in Sailortown; integration with projects such as the new Ulster University area; improvements to the Dunbar Link; maximising those areas beneath the motorway flyover and opportunities for creating attractive public squares and spaces.

This Masterplan has been developed following a period of consultation which concluded earlier this year.

The Department will form a stakeholder group with representation from relevant areas across central and local government early next year to prepare a detailed development framework/delivery plan on the basis of this Masterplan. 

The Greater Clarendon Masterplan is available to view on the Department for Communities website or a copy can be requested by sending an email to Nicola.Johnston@communities-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. Officials from the Department for Communities worked closely with Consultants GVA Grimley, to develop the Greater Clarendon (Sailortown) Masterplan. 
2. The Masterplan was subject to an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA), and this concluded that the proposals presented no adverse impact on good relations between those of differing political opinion or religious belief. The EqIA report can be accessed on the Department’s website
3. For media enquiries please contact the DfC Press Office team on 028 9082 3503. For out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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