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UK: Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have welcomed the completion of Loftlines, Northern Ireland’s first large-scale build-to-rent (BTR) development, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
The scheme features 627 BTR homes which were funded through a £150 million investment by L&G, the largest residential investment in the region. The first residents moved into their new homes at the scheme in early September.
Amenities include fitness and wellness facilities, coworking spaces, resident lounges, private dining areas, a games room and landscaped rooftop terraces. The wider development also creates new spaces for the community, including South Yard Square, a play park, urban sports courts and a waterside promenade.
The wider £190 million Loftlines scheme comprises 778 homes across BTR, social, discounted market rent and private rental accommodation. With new public realm, green space and commercial space, it has transformed a previously underdeveloped waterfront site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood within Titanic Quarter.
The BTR homes have been designed with sustainable living in mind, with an all-electric energy-efficient building design, air-source heat pumps, solar panels and green spaces incorporated throughout the scheme.
More than £105 million was spent locally during construction, supporting more than 650 jobs directly and through the wider supply chain.
O’Neill said: “Loftlines is a major addition to Belfast and demonstrates what can be achieved when investment is matched with ambition and a commitment to creating better places for our people. At a time when we need more homes, it is great to see this waterfront site transformed and the first residents now moving in and beginning to make Loftlines their home. I want to see our towns and cities continue to grow and develop, attracting investment that delivers for our people, supports local jobs and strengthens our communities for years to come. Developments like this have an important part to play in that.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: “Loftlines represents a significant investment in Belfast’s continued regeneration and residential growth, and it is fantastic to see this landmark waterfront development in the heart of city, with its first residents now settling in and making the most of the impressive amenities. Loftlines demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration between the public and private sectors and is an excellent example of the innovative approaches called for in our Housing Supply Strategy, combining Build-to-Rent accommodation with mixed-tenure affordable housing to meet a range of housing needs. I look forward to seeing this thriving new community continue to grow within Titanic Quarter.”
Dan Batterton, head of housing at L&G, said: “Our investment reflects our confidence in Belfast and Northern Ireland as a market for Build-to-Rent, with strong demand for high-quality, professionally managed rental homes and the potential to create vibrant new communities. Our experience of delivering Loftlines has reinforced our confidence in the long-term potential of the market and in Northern Ireland as a place for institutional investment in the rental sector. The first residents are now making their homes here, and our focus is on creating a resident experience that delivers on the promise of Loftlines.”
Loftlines has been brought forward through a partnership between L&G, co-developers Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones, with Titanic Quarter Ltd as estate owner. The BTR homes are operated by urbanbubble, with Clanmil Housing Association managing the social housing, and Fresh operating the discounted market-rent and private rental homes.
Highlights:
- Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have welcomed the completion of Loftlines, Northern Ireland’s first large-scale build-to-rent (BTR) development, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
- The scheme features 627 BTR homes which were funded through a £150 million investment by L&G
- The wider £190 million Loftlines scheme comprises 778 homes across BTR, social, discounted market rent and private rental accommodation
- Loftlines has been brought forward through a partnership between L&G, co-developers Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones, with Titanic Quarter Ltd as estate owner
- The BTR homes are operated by urbanbubble, with Clanmil Housing Association managing the social housing, and Fresh operating the discounted market-rent and private rental homes
