Geography case study - Titanic Quarter, Belfast

Housing - Positives

• 7,500 apartments have been built such as the Arc (Located around Abercorn Basin with 747 apartments). These attract young professionals who can live close to work in the Titanic Quarter or walk to the CBD for jobs. This means that people can have a healthier lifestyle and save on transportation costs

Housing - Negatives

• There are many unoccupied apartments in the Arc because only young professional people can afford these expensive apartments and they are out of the price range for a lot of local people

Employment - Postitives

• Employment opportunities have increased with new service industries such as tourism in the Titanic Signature Project hotels and in modern technology and research

• It is hoped that 20,000 new jobs will be created in the Titanic Quuarter such as the NI Science Park (employs 1,500 people) which will replace traditional jobs such as ship bulding in the past

Employment - Negatives

• Local people will require more training in the new high technology and research centres in the area

Transport - Postitives

• Public transport links were developed and dedicated bus services operated every 12 minutes from Wellington Place at peak times

• Cycle and walking routes were developed (£5 million) to form part of the Comber Greenway improving recreational opportunities in the area

• A pedestrian bridge was built across the River Lagan towards the CBD so people would walk to work

• New glider bus service (introduced in September 2018) links CBD to Titanic Quarter so tourist could easily get to Titanic Hotel.

Transport - Negatives

• The nearest train stop is a 30 minute walk away from the NI Science Park

Environment - Positives

• Created landscaped areas and habitats e.g 1.5km lough-side walkway

• Reduced carbon emissions by using energy efficient light fittings and solar heating in buildings e.g Titanic Studios

• Derelict industrial sites have been cleaned up and decontaminated

• Jobs, entertainment and living in the same area means people don’t need to use cars and their carbon dioxide emissions are reduced

Environment - Negatives

• The new buildings have increased light pollution in the area since LED light buld have been installed, the starling murmuration at the Lagan Hospital has stopped

• Increased tourism activities in the Titanic Quarter such as concerts at the SSe Arena and outdoor concerts on the spilways mean there is more litter in the area

• Very costly - £385 million has been invested in the area