The Laganside Corporation was a non-departmental public body formed by the Laganside Development (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 with the goal of regenerating large sections of land in Belfast, Northern Ireland adjacent to the River Lagan. This development area was expanded in 1996 to include areas closer to the city centre.
The Lagan riverside suffered in particular from poor environmental conditions and the decline of the shipbuilding industry in the 1970s and 80s.
The corporation was wound up in March 2007 and its responsibilities transferred to the Department for Social Development.
History
The Department of the Environment-commissioned Laganside Concept Plan was completed in March 1987, an initiative of Chris Patten and Richard Needham, two Northern Ireland Office ministers. To deliver this plan, Laganside Ltd. was established in October 1987 as an interim measure; the Laganside Development Order (Northern Ireland) 1989 established the Laganside Corporation in May 1989.
The Corporation's original mission statement was:
"to contribute to the revitalisation of Belfast and Northern Ireland through the regeneration of the Laganside area. It has one target: for every £1 of expenditure, investment levels of £5.20 must be achieved. Its current mission statement reflecting a change in emphasis is contributing to the revitalisation of Belfast and Northern Ireland by transforming Laganside to be attractive, accessible and sustainable, recognised as a place of opportunity for all".
Laganside Corporations aims closely followed the Urban Delivery Corporation model:
"The object of the Corporation shall be to secure the regeneration of the designated area. The object is to be achieved in particular by the following means: By bringing land and buildings into effective use. By encouraging public and private investment and the development of existing and new industry and commerce. By creating an attractive environment. By ensuring that housing, social, recreational and cultural facilities are available to encourage people to live and work in the area." The corporation was wound up in March 2007 and its responsibilities transferred to the Department for Social Development under the terms of the Laganside Corporation Dissolution Order (Northern Ireland) 2006.
Developments
Lagan Weir
The weir, completed in 1994, is built across the Lagan between the Queen Elizabeth Bridge and the M3 bridge (completed around the same time). The Lagan Weir was jointly funded by the Corporation and the European Commission. The objective of the structure is to keep the level of the river artificially constant, as it is a tidal river the level of the water varied up to three metres between high and low tide. This exposed mudflats which were unsightly and emitted a strong odour, particularly in the summer months. The transformation of the riverside by the construction of the weir has been a catalyst for development along the riverside. Another part of the project is the "Lagan Lookout" centre which explains the history and function of the weir as well as the history of the Lagan itself.
Lanyon Place
In many ways the flagship development of the Corporation. The Waterfront Hall is located on the site as well as Riverside Tower, (headquarters of BT Northern Ireland ) and the 5-star Hilton Hotel. The Lanyon Quay building was added recently. The development is named after architect Charles Lanyon.
The Odyssey
The Odyssey development was Northern Ireland main "Millennium Project." A budget of £92 million was established; 49% funded by the Millennium Commission, 11% by the Laganside Corporation, 18.5% by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, 18.5% by the Sheridan Group and 3.3% by the Sports Council. When completed in 2001, facilities included: Vue multiscreen cinema IMAX Cinema (now closed) 10,000 seat indoor arena and home of the Belfast Giants ice-hockey team W5 ("Who when why what where" exhibition) Bars, clubs, restaurants and entertainment Gasworks