£5m Cathedral Gardens redevelopment begins as Belfast City Council unveils ‘world class’ vision

Marking work starting on the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens are (from left to right): Professor Duncan Morrow from Ulster University, Tzvetelina Bogoina from Cathedral Quarter BID, Reverend Cameron Mack from St Anne’s Cathedral and Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly.

Work has officially begun on the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens, marking a significant milestone in Belfast City Council’s long-term vision to regenerate the city centre.

Located between St Anne’s Cathedral and Ulster University, the reimagined Cathedral Gardens is set to become a unique, world-class public space designed to bring together residents, students, workers and visitors throughout the year.

Once complete, the revamped gardens will feature a large multi-use events space, a new memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Belfast Blitz, and family-focused attractions including a nature-inspired play area and an interactive digital play zone for children.

Advanced lighting technology will allow the space to be illuminated in a variety of colours, while a projection system will enable images and artwork to be displayed on the walls of the adjacent Ulster University building, offering new opportunities for cultural events and public engagement.

A computer generated image showing designs for the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens.

Green space will remain central to the redevelopment, with a mix of mature trees, lawn areas, plants and shrubs bringing nature into the heart of the city. Sustainability has been built into the design, with rainwater captured, stored and reused to irrigate planting throughout the gardens.

Welcoming the start of construction, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly described the project as a key part of the city’s wider transformation.

“The Cathedral Gardens regeneration project is both ambitious and innovative. Our aim to create a world class urban space where families, students, workers and visitors can meet, relax and be entertained all year round, both night and day,” she said.

Councillor Kelly also highlighted the role the space will play in strengthening Belfast’s cultural offering.

“We also want the space to become an events and cultural hub, helping reinvigorate this part of the city centre which is undergoing a transformation. We look forward to it hosting numerous small and large-scale events ranging from Culture Night, music concerts and children’s festivals, to food markets and much more besides, helping to support and boost the city’s annual cultural programme.”

The redevelopment also carries deep historical significance. Cathedral Gardens sits in an area that was heavily affected by air raids during the Second World War, and the site will become home to a new Belfast Blitz Memorial.

“This area was badly impacted by air raids during World War 2, so Cathedral Gardens will be a fitting home to a new Belfast Blitz Memorial - a space where people can pause, reflect and honour those who lost their lives,” Councillor Kelly said.

A computer generated image showing designs for the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens.

The project forms part of a broader programme of multi-million-pound investment by Belfast City Council aimed at ensuring the long-term vitality of the city centre.

“In the last few years the council has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring our city centre continues to thrive and grow,” Councillor Kelly continued.

“Belfast Stories, a stunning new public space, visitor attraction and creative hub for the city will open on Royal Avenue in 2030. We recently purchased the historic Assembly Rooms in Cathedral Quarter, and work is now underway to carefully consider options for its future use.”

She added that increasing city centre living remains a strategic priority, with the council working in partnership with GRAHAM to deliver £280 million worth of residential-led, mixed-use developments.

“This cluster of council-led development, along with the stunning new Ulster University campus, major student housing schemes and other investment in the vicinity, will truly revitalise this area of the city centre,” she said.

Alongside large-scale regeneration, the council’s Vacant to Vibrant initiative has awarded 48 grants since 2022 to help restore empty properties back into use.

“So we are delivering a broad range of initiatives to make the city centre the very best it can be,” Councillor Kelly added.

Cathedral Gardens is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

Further details on the redevelopment can be found at belfastcity.gov.uk/cathedralgardens.