First Minister and deputy First Minister welcome completion of £175m Loftlines development

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 627 BTR homes were funded through a £150 million investment by L&G, its first Build-to-Rent investment in Northern Ireland and the largest residential investment in the region. The first residents moved into their new, professionally managed homes in early September.

The wider £175 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.

More than £105 million was spent locally during construction, supporting more than 650 jobs directly and through the wider supply chain.

During a visit to Loftlines, First Minister Michelle 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 said:

"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."

The BTR homes offer professionally managed rental living, with dedicated on-site management and a range of resident amenities including fitness and wellness facilities, co-working 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.

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.”

The BTR homes have also 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. Residents also benefit from sustainable travel options, with a new Beryl Bike station, dedicated cycle routes and secure on-site cycle storage, alongside easy access to Glider and rail services.

Loftlines has been delivered 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, while Clanmil Housing Association manages the social housing and Fresh manages the discounted market-rent and private rental homes.

For more information about Loftlines, visit www.loftlines.com.