Forthriver Innovation Centre was conceived as the catalyst project for an urban regeneration programme in the heart of West Belfast and was commissioned via the Belfast City Councils (BCC) Professional Services Framework. The project comprised of a specialist Grade A office development based on an innovative brief focused on UK best practice regarding knowledge sector “start-up” companies. The result was a new 35,000ft2 building designed to accommodate highly serviced flexible spaces from 300ft2 to 2100ft2 for individual tenants. Belfast City Council were keen that the design reflected the contextual red brick Victorian Mill aesthetic which McAdams utilised to sub-divide the interior into self-contained units. This was augmented by occupier collaboration spaces via communal meeting rooms / social hub / café. As a BCC pilot BIM project, we pushed the boundaries of services integration and FM including connection to the BCC Central Estates Performance monitoring system. The completed project achieved BREEAM Excellent and won a Sustainability Ireland Award 2016.
Forthriver Innovation Centre has had a significant positive impact on the communities of west Belfast. It has attracted dynamic young start-up companies to the project and increased job opportunities for the local community. Located on a large reclaimed brownfield site the local infrastructure has been designed to support significant expansion of the planned business park with similar complementary businesses being attracted by the success of the Innovation Centre.
