Exciting £5M Transformation Begins at Cathedral Gardens!

Exciting news for Belfast as work has officially begun on the £5 million transformation of Cathedral Gardens! This ambitious redevelopment aims to create a world-class public space right in the heart of the city centre, nestled between St Anne’s Cathedral and Ulster University.

Once complete, the revamped gardens will boast a large multi-use events space, perfect for everything from Culture Night festivities to music concerts and children’s festivals. Families will love the nature-inspired play area and an interactive digital play zone for kids. The designs also incorporate advanced lighting technology, capable of illuminating the space in various colours, and a projection system that can cast images onto the adjacent Ulster University building, creating a dynamic visual experience.

Sustainability is central to the new designs, which will introduce a mix of mature trees, a lush lawn, and diverse plants and shrubs, bringing much-needed green space to the urban environment. A clever rainwater capture and storage system will ensure all planting within the gardens is naturally watered.

Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly highlighted the project's ambition and innovation, sharing the vision for a vibrant urban space where families, students, workers, and visitors can meet, relax, and enjoy year-round entertainment. She envisions the gardens becoming a key cultural hub, boosting the city’s annual cultural programme with events ranging from food markets to large-scale performances.

A particularly poignant addition will be a new memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Belfast Blitz. This thoughtful space will offer a place for quiet reflection and remembrance, honouring a significant part of the city's history that deeply impacted this very area during World War II.

The Cathedral Gardens project is part of a wider series of multi-million-pound investments designed to regenerate Belfast city centre for the long-term benefit of residents and the entire region. Councillor Kelly also spoke about the upcoming Belfast Stories, a new public space and creative hub opening on Royal Avenue in 2030, and the careful consideration being given to the future use of the historic Assembly Rooms in Cathedral Quarter, which were recently purchased.

Further demonstrating commitment to growth, strategic plans aim to increase city centre living, supported by a partnership with GRAHAM for £280 million worth of residential-led developments. This concerted effort, alongside the impressive new Ulster University campus and major student housing schemes, is set to truly revitalise this area. The successful 'Vacant to Vibrant' initiative, which has awarded 48 grants since 2022 to restore vacant city centre properties, further underscores the ongoing dedication to making Belfast city centre the best it can be.

With work now in full swing, Cathedral Gardens is expected to gracefully reopen its gates in Spring 2027, promising a fantastic new asset for everyone to enjoy.