Laganside Corporation facts for kids

The Laganside Corporation was a special group created in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Its main goal was to make large areas of land next to the River Lagan much better. These areas had become quite run-down because of pollution and the decline of big industries like shipbuilding in the 1970s and 80s. The Corporation worked to clean up the river, build new places, and bring life back to the area. It started in 1989 and finished its work in March 2007, when its responsibilities were taken over by the Department for Social Development.

How Laganside Corporation Started

The idea for the Laganside Corporation began in 1987. Two ministers from the Northern Ireland Office, Chris Patten and Richard Needham, helped to create a plan called the Laganside Concept Plan. To get things going, a temporary group called Laganside Ltd. was set up in October 1987. Then, in May 1989, the Laganside Corporation was officially formed.

What Laganside Corporation Wanted to Achieve

The Corporation had a clear mission: to help make Belfast and Northern Ireland better by improving the Laganside area. They aimed to get a lot of private money invested for every pound of public money they spent.

Their main goals were similar to other urban development groups:

• To make sure land and buildings were used effectively.
• To encourage new businesses and investments.
• To create a beautiful environment.
• To make sure there were good homes, fun places, and cultural spots for people to live and work in the area.

The Laganside Corporation completed its work in March 2007. Its duties were then transferred to the Department for Social Development.

Amazing Projects and Developments

The Laganside Corporation helped create many important and exciting projects in Belfast.

Lagan Weir

The Lagan Weir was finished in 1994. It's a special barrier built across the River Lagan. Before the weir, the river's water level changed a lot with the tides, sometimes by as much as three metres. This would leave muddy riverbanks exposed, which looked bad and smelled strong, especially in summer. The weir keeps the water level constant, making the river look much nicer. This change encouraged many other building projects along the riverside. There's also a "Lagan Lookout" centre where you can learn about the weir and the river's history.

Lanyon Place

This was one of the Corporation's most important projects. It's home to the famous Waterfront Hall, a big concert and event venue. You'll also find Riverside Tower, which is the main office for BT Northern Ireland, and the 5-star Hilton Hotel here. The Lanyon Quay building was added more recently. This area is named after a famous architect, Charles Lanyon.

The Odyssey Complex

The Odyssey was a huge project for Northern Ireland, completed in 2001. It cost a lot of money, with funding from various groups, including the Laganside Corporation.

When it opened, it included:

• A Vue multiscreen cinema.
• An IMAX Cinema (which is now closed).
• A large 10,000-seat indoor arena, which is the home of the Belfast Giants ice-hockey team.
• W5 ("Who when why what where"), an interactive science and discovery centre.
• Many bars, clubs, restaurants, and other entertainment spots.

Gasworks

This project transformed the city's old Gasworks site, which closed in 1988. The development kept some of the original buildings, like the "Klondyke Building," which now houses the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The huge gas holders, which were once the biggest in the world, were removed. A major tenant here is a large call centre for Halifax.

Other businesses at the Gasworks site include:

• Radisson SAS Hotel.
• BBC Technology.
• Offices for the Department for Social Development.
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland.

Clarendon Dock

This was the first area to be completed by the Corporation. It has become a big business park. The Laganside Corporation itself had its offices here when it was active.

Mays Meadow

Located next to Lanyon Place, Mays Meadow is home to two major financial companies: an Abbey call centre and the local headquarters for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Donegall Quay and The Quays

Donegall Quay is a road that connects different parts of the city. The quay itself is north of the Lagan Weir. In 2005, Laganside announced plans for the Obel Tower here, which is Northern Ireland's tallest building.

Custom House Square

This project helped to better connect the Laganside area with the city centre.

Cathedral Quarter

The area around St. Anne's Cathedral is an important cultural hub in the city.