Belfast cruise terminal upgrades and new 13-storey aparthotel approved
Belfast City Council has approved changes to Belfast Harbour’s cruise facilities and renewed permission for a 13-storey aparthotel on Bedford Street. Improvements have also been approved for Hammer Playing Fields in west Belfast.
Two major Belfast planning applications have been approved, paving the way for upgraded cruise terminal facilities at Belfast Harbour and a new 13-storey aparthotel in the city centre.
Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee approved the proposals at its meeting on Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
Belfast Harbour cruise terminal plans approved
The first application relates to Belfast Harbour’s multi-purpose berthing facility at D3, close to Airport Road West.
The application, submitted by Belfast Harbour Commissioners, amends previously approved plans for the facility.
The latest approval includes:
- Relocation and extension of the main cruise terminal building
- A new additional baggage building
- Improved parking and drop-off areas
- An upgraded access track
- Additional lighting
- Landscaping
- Supporting infrastructure and site works
The development forms part of continued investment in Belfast Harbour and its growing cruise tourism facilities.
Belfast Harbour has previously announced a major long-term investment programme covering port infrastructure, commercial development and facilities supporting sectors including tourism and offshore energy.
Follow Belfast cruise ship arrivals
Northern Ireland Online has its own dedicated Belfast Cruise Ships page, where readers can check upcoming arrivals, departure times, individual ship profiles and scheduled Belfast Harbour visits.
View Belfast Cruise Ships on Northern Ireland Online
The Cruise Watch page includes upcoming Belfast calls and detailed information about individual ships visiting the city.
Which cruise ships are coming to Belfast?
Check upcoming Belfast cruise ship arrivals, departure times, ship details and scheduled visits to Belfast Harbour.
View Belfast Cruise Ships13-storey Belfast aparthotel gets renewed permission
The Planning Committee also approved the renewal of planning permission for a major aparthotel development at 29-33 Bedford Street.
The proposal from hospitality group Andras House involves refurbishing the existing four-storey terrace while constructing a new 13-storey aparthotel to the rear.
Plans include alterations, extensions and partial demolition of existing buildings.
Two cafés are proposed at ground-floor level, while existing office accommodation on the upper floors of the original building would be retained.
Public realm improvements are also included.
The scheme previously received planning permission, with the latest application renewing approval for the development.
Search Belfast planning applications
Hammer Playing Fields improvements approved
A third proposal approved by the committee involves improvements at Hammer Playing Fields in the Shankill Road area.
Planning permission has been granted for:
- Resurfacing of the existing 3G pitch
- A minor extension to the pitch
- Replacement floodlighting
- A 50-seat covered mini-stand
- Additional fencing
- Replacement dugouts
The work will provide upgraded sporting facilities at the west Belfast site.
Major investment continues across Belfast
The latest Belfast planning approvals come during a period of substantial investment and development across the city and Belfast Harbour Estate.
Cruise tourism is an increasingly visible part of Belfast’s visitor economy, with ships from several major international operators scheduled to call at Belfast throughout the cruise season.
Northern Ireland Online maintains detailed profiles and schedules for ships visiting Belfast, including arrival and departure information.
Useful links
- Northern Ireland Online Belfast Cruise Ships
- Belfast Harbour
- Belfast City Council
- Northern Ireland Planning Portal
- Northern Ireland Online
Want to know which cruise ships are arriving in Belfast next?
Check the Northern Ireland Online Belfast Cruise Ships page for upcoming arrivals, departure times and individual ship profiles.
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