11/03/2026
Belfast City Region Unveils Over £5bn Investment Pipeline
The Belfast City Region will court global investors at MIPIM 2026 this week with a pipeline exceeding £5 billion, reinforcing its credentials as a leading UK–Ireland destination for regeneration, housing and mixed‑use development.
A cross‑sector delegation representing local government, business and development partners will showcase opportunities spanning housing, transport‑led regeneration, waterfront projects, tourism and hospitality.
This year's pitch places a renewed emphasis on accelerating city centre living.
Residential activity is beginning to rebound, with robust demand for high‑quality, sustainable homes in well‑connected urban neighbourhoods. Recent Financial Times analysis reported that Belfast's rental prices were rising faster than anywhere else in the UK, including London.
Marie Doyle, Senior Office Partner at Deloitte in Northern Ireland and Chair of the Belfast City & Region Place Partnership, said: "The Deloitte Crane Survey highlights that Belfast is poised for a step forward in city centre residential development. Demand for well-designed, sustainable homes in central locations is clear and there is growing confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the market.
"For investors, this presents a real opportunity. With the right partnerships and a shared focus on delivery, Belfast can unlock new neighbourhoods, increase housing supply and support inclusive economic growth across the wider city region.
"Our message is clear. Belfast is ready to convert opportunity into delivery on an unprecedented scale." A flagship within the pipeline is Weavers Cross, the transport‑anchored regeneration scheme centred on Belfast Grand Central Station. Positioned as one of the largest urban regeneration projects on the island of Ireland, it aims to deliver a vibrant mixed‑use district integrating residential, commercial, office, leisure and high‑quality public realm around a state‑of‑the‑art multi‑modal hub.
The project is presented as a generational opportunity for institutional capital seeking scale and long‑term returns in a capital city environment, underpinned by enhanced connectivity and placemaking.
Beyond the city core, the region will spotlight major waterfront development sites and significant tourism and hospitality prospects. With strong visitor growth and an expanding international profile, investment is sought to add hotel capacity, upgrade leisure assets and deliver mixed‑use schemes that draw on maritime heritage and distinct urban character.
Housing delivery remains central, with opportunities for residential‑led, sustainable mixed‑use developments to be outlined by the delegation.
John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, said: "Bringing more than £5 billion of investment opportunities to MIPIM demonstrates the scale of ambition across the Belfast City Region. From housing-led regeneration in the city centre to transformational infrastructure at Weavers Cross and waterfront development, we are presenting a clear and investable proposition – not just across the capital, but right across our city region and along the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.
"Our focus is on partnership. By aligning public sector leadership with private sector capital and expertise, we can accelerate delivery, support housing growth and enhance the long-term competitiveness of the city region."
A cross‑sector delegation representing local government, business and development partners will showcase opportunities spanning housing, transport‑led regeneration, waterfront projects, tourism and hospitality.
This year's pitch places a renewed emphasis on accelerating city centre living.
Residential activity is beginning to rebound, with robust demand for high‑quality, sustainable homes in well‑connected urban neighbourhoods. Recent Financial Times analysis reported that Belfast's rental prices were rising faster than anywhere else in the UK, including London.
Marie Doyle, Senior Office Partner at Deloitte in Northern Ireland and Chair of the Belfast City & Region Place Partnership, said: "The Deloitte Crane Survey highlights that Belfast is poised for a step forward in city centre residential development. Demand for well-designed, sustainable homes in central locations is clear and there is growing confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the market.
"For investors, this presents a real opportunity. With the right partnerships and a shared focus on delivery, Belfast can unlock new neighbourhoods, increase housing supply and support inclusive economic growth across the wider city region.
"Our message is clear. Belfast is ready to convert opportunity into delivery on an unprecedented scale." A flagship within the pipeline is Weavers Cross, the transport‑anchored regeneration scheme centred on Belfast Grand Central Station. Positioned as one of the largest urban regeneration projects on the island of Ireland, it aims to deliver a vibrant mixed‑use district integrating residential, commercial, office, leisure and high‑quality public realm around a state‑of‑the‑art multi‑modal hub.
The project is presented as a generational opportunity for institutional capital seeking scale and long‑term returns in a capital city environment, underpinned by enhanced connectivity and placemaking.
Beyond the city core, the region will spotlight major waterfront development sites and significant tourism and hospitality prospects. With strong visitor growth and an expanding international profile, investment is sought to add hotel capacity, upgrade leisure assets and deliver mixed‑use schemes that draw on maritime heritage and distinct urban character.
Housing delivery remains central, with opportunities for residential‑led, sustainable mixed‑use developments to be outlined by the delegation.
John Walsh, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, said: "Bringing more than £5 billion of investment opportunities to MIPIM demonstrates the scale of ambition across the Belfast City Region. From housing-led regeneration in the city centre to transformational infrastructure at Weavers Cross and waterfront development, we are presenting a clear and investable proposition – not just across the capital, but right across our city region and along the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.
"Our focus is on partnership. By aligning public sector leadership with private sector capital and expertise, we can accelerate delivery, support housing growth and enhance the long-term competitiveness of the city region."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

