Construction work is progressing at pace on Loftlines, Belfast’s landmark mixed-tenure development that will soon deliver 778 new homes to the city centre – a major step forward in addressing Northern Ireland’s housing shortage.
Set within the iconic Titanic Quarter, Loftlines is one of Northern Ireland’s most ambitious regeneration projects and will be the city’s first major residential scheme to be built in 25 years. The development combines Northern Ireland’s first Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes with social housing, discounted market rent housing, and private rental housing.
First to complete will be 81 high-quality social homes at Dargan House which will be owned and managed by Clanmil Housing Association.
Representing an investment of £18.6 million, these new social homes are being funded by Clanmil with support from the Department for Communities and Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
With around 49,000 households currently on the social housing waiting list in Northern Ireland, the completion of this first phase will mark a crucial step toward addressing that challenge and building a more inclusive, sustainable city centre community.
Anthony Best, Managing Director of Lacuna Developments, joint developer of the site, commented:
“Loftlines is a unique blend of homes and shared outdoor space which we believe will redefine modern living in our city and set a precedent for future urban regeneration projects in Belfast.
“By addressing housing need, both rental and social; supporting economic development and regeneration; enhancing public realm and green space infrastructure; and through promoting sustainable, connected, urban living, Loftlines directly aligns with a number of key policies for Northern Ireland and Belfast.
“It is fantastic to see construction continue at speed and some of the first homes now approaching completion. This is a pivotal milestone that brings us closer to realising the vision we’ve worked towards for so long.”
Developing the site alongside Lacuna Developments is Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading residential for rent developer and operator. Alex Pease, Chief Executive Officer at Watkin Jones said:
“This project is about more than new homes. It’s about creating a vibrant urban neighbourhood that sets a new standard for city-centre living in Belfast.
Loftlines will be a destination — a place where people want to live, spend time, and build a community.
“The development marks a real moment for the city. It draws on Belfast’s heritage but is firmly focused on the future, supporting its growth and shaping a more dynamic city centre.”
Highlighting the positive impact the Loftlines development will have on the housing market across NI, Jan Sloan, Executive Director of Development and New Business at Clanmil Housing Association, added:
“We are delighted and proud to be the first element within the wider Loftlines development, with 81 new social homes soon to be ready for people to move in and make them their own.
“This is an important step toward addressing urgent housing need with 49,000 people across Northern Ireland on a waiting list for a home.
“The Loftlines development represents more than just new buildings — it’s about creating opportunity, community, and regeneration at the heart of the city. These modern, energy-efficient homes will help people live well while supporting jobs and economic growth through construction and local investment.”
Situated within the iconic Titanic Quarter, the wider Loftlines development is set to become one of the most significant regeneration projects in Northern Ireland. It will include Northern Ireland’s first Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes, backed by a £150 million investment by Legal & General, and will bring to market 627 one, two, and three bedroom stylish modern homes.
Adam Burney, Head of Multi Family BTR & PBSA at L&G commented:
“BTR, or ‘homes to rent’ is a completely different experience than traditional private rental. These are professionally managed homes with an array of bespoke designed amenities which are second to none and like nothing Northern Ireland has ever seen before.
“Amenities include a gym and yoga studio; workspaces and meeting rooms; a rooftop sky lounge with unrivalled views of the city; landscaped roof terraces; private dining rooms and a pet wash facility; in addition to resident lounges and event spaces, all of which are an integral part of the BTR model and are designed to foster a strong sense of community.
“Tenants will benefit from 24/7 on site-support to take the hassle and ‘admin’ out of home rental as well as the extensive public realm space and newly accessible promenade.
“Not only does this development respond to housing demand but it sets a very clear benchmark for what is possible for city centre living and regeneration in Belfast.
“The introduction of BTR has been a catalyst for regeneration in cities such as Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds and we’re confident it will deliver the same in Belfast marking a significant new chapter in this historic site’s story.”
These pet-friendly units will be available for short term or long-term rental and will welcome their first tenants in Spring 2026.
Designed to foster a strong sense of community and convenience, Loftlines will feature on-site amenities such as independent retail stores and a creche, ensuring that everyday needs can be met within walking distance.
With extensive outdoor space and a walkway connecting the development with the Maritime Mile, the scheme also encourages walking, cycling, and public transport use, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and reduced carbon footprint.
In addition to the social housing in Dargan House and the 627 BTR homes, the Loftlines development will also provide a premium private rental offering comprising 70 one and two-bedroom apartments in Lady Pirrie House.
Reiterating the tangible benefits Loftlines will deliver for the city of Belfast, Mr Best concluded:
“Loftlines is an ongoing economic contributor to the city economy.
“More than 650 jobs are already supported through its development and the appointment of local suppliers to assist throughout each phase of construction.
“Sustainability has been at the core of this development since its inception, and we are thrilled that this will not only be the first major residential scheme to be built in a generation but also one that introduces a new, sustainable and responsible way of living to Belfast.”
