The Belfast City Region will showcase more than £5 billion worth of transformative opportunities to global investors at a major real estate conference this week, reinforcing its position as one of the most compelling destinations for regeneration and housing developments in the UK and Ireland.
A delegation representing local government, business and development partners will engage with international investors at MIPIM 2026, highlighting a substantial pipeline of projects spanning housing, transport-led regeneration, waterfront development, tourism and hospitality.
At the heart of this year’s proposition is a renewed focus on accelerating city centre living.
Residential development activity is beginning to recover and there is strong underlying demand for high-quality, sustainable homes in well-connected urban locations, with the Financial Times noting that in recent data Belfast’s rental prices were rising at a faster rate 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 opportunity within the £5 billion pipeline is Weavers Cross, the landmark transport-led regeneration scheme anchored by Belfast Grand Central Station. As one of the largest urban regeneration projects on the island of Ireland, Weavers Cross will create a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood, integrating residential, commercial, office, leisure and public realm space around a state-of-the-art multi-modal transport hub.
The scheme represents a generational opportunity for institutional capital seeking scale and long-term returns in a capital city environment, underpinned by enhanced connectivity and placemaking.
In addition to city centre regeneration, the Belfast City Region will promote major waterfront development sites, alongside significant tourism and hospitality opportunities. With strong visitor growth and increasing international profile, the region is seeking investment to expand hotel capacity, enhance leisure assets and deliver high-quality mixed-use schemes that build on maritime heritage and unique urban character.
Housing delivery remains a core priority and the delegation will outline opportunities for residential-led, mixed-use, sustainable developments.
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.”
Phoenix Energy Hosts Inspiring Panel Event to Celebrate International Women’s Day
10th Mar 2026
Read Article