Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast has plenty to offer businesses seeking to set up shop here. Historically it has been key to the shipbuilding industry, with Harland and Wolff shipyard famously building The Titanic. In more recent times the city has attracted organisations in the financial services, digital and cyber security sectors. Start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Fintech sector can take advantage of Ulster Bank’s Accelerator to help set up and scale their business. For those in the creative industry, Belfast is also home to a bustling arts scene, with plenty of exhibitions and events scheduled throughout the year.
Why rent an office in the CBD?
This area has undergone significant redevelopment in the last decade and in 2018 increased investment was pledged to Belfast’s Central Business District to encourage regeneration in the area. On the outskirts of the CBD is a business incubator, Ignite, which offers pre-accelerator and accelerator programs for technology-based organisations.
Transport links
The CBD is well served by two major train stations; Great Victoria Street station and Lanyan Place. These stations operate routes via NI railways to other parts of Northern Ireland including Derry and Bangor and links to Dublin.
Things to do in the Central Business District
The CBD offers plenty in the way of bars and restaurants, from high street chains to local independent offerings. For some retail therapy, visit the CastleCourt shopping centre or Victoria Square where you’ll find an array of fashion, leisure and homeware stores.
What does the Cathedral quarter have to offer?
This developing area of Belfast takes its name from being the home of St Anne’s Cathedral and is steeped in history. Often known as the cultural quarter, this area has seen significant growth in the arts and cultural industry and is home to a thriving creative scene. Ulster University’s Belfast campus is also located here, which incorporates the Art college.
What’s going on in the Cathedral Quarter?
As the creative and cultural epicentre of Belfast, the Cathedral Quarter hosts a wide range of workshops and events from theatre and comedy shows, to art exhibitions and photography classes. It is also home to an array of unique pubs and bars and is a bustling part of the city in the evenings.
Transport links
The Cathedral quarter is most easily accessible by bus, with Laganside Bus Station and High Street stop just under 10 minutes’ walk away. The area is serviced by the 1E, 2B, 5A and 61 buses.
What businesses are in the Titanic Quarter?
The Titanic Quarter is home to a number of notable businesses, including global bank and financial services firm, Citi. Titanic Studios is located here, which is one of Europe’s largest film studios and has produced shows like Game of Thrones.
Getting around the Titanic Quarter
There are a few different transport links servicing this area, including the Titanic Quarter train station which offers links to Lanyon Place and Portadown, and further afield to Bangor. It also sits on a number of bus routes out to Belfast City Airport and Holywood Exchange.
What is there to do in this area?
The popular Titanic Belfast visitor attraction is located here, dedicated to Belfast’s rich maritime history, most famed for building the Titanic ship on the former shipyard. It is also home to the DOCK market, selling various local crafts and food, plus the SSE Arena which hosts a range of events from music concerts to sporting events.
Why rent an office in Waterside & Quays
Located on the edge of the river Lagan, this area offers idyllic views over the water. It is set to undergo significant development works to regenerate the 16-acre land into commercial, residential and retail space, making it an excellent location for businesses to set up a base in.
How to get around Waterside & Quays
From Waterside and Quays, the closest station is Yorkgate, which services the Northern part of Belfast. Services run through the city centre stopping at Great Victoria Street and Lanyon Place, and there is a weekday service on the Derry-Londonderry line.
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