New Grade A office scheme underway at Weavers Court

A Belfast business park’s expansion could facilitate up to 480 new jobs as part of an £8m investment.  Weavers Court is set to complete work on three 5,000 sq ft redeveloped industrial units in March, with building work also now underway for an additional 40,000 sq ft of grade A office space, launching in 2019.  The investment is being supported by Danske Bank.

Located on a 10 acre site at the western gateway to the city, Weavers Court offers a range of office sizes with flexible leases and has become known as a city hub for IT companies.  The business park has 40 tenants involved in high-tech markets, international computer services, cyber security, film and entrepreneurship development.  Uniquely, Weavers Court is home to the “Original Hairbus” (a mobile barber shop), two gymnasiums and Belfast’s innovative Hackerspace and coder dojo (a free computer programming club for young people).

Tom Ekin, Director of Weavers Court, said: “We have researched other technology parks in Europe and USA and found a recognition that Campus style open green spaces outside of well-designed offices encourages employees to be healthier and more productive.

“Our three new industrial units capitalise on the desire for industrial chic design while being fully equipped to grade A spec.  The 40,000 sq ft four storey building is being designed by prize winning local architects and has unique features that create a practical work space.

“Many of our tenants expand and outgrow their unit and we make every effort to help them remain inside the Park. That way we can support our tenant’s growth ambitions whilst ensure the occupancy rate remains high.”

He added: “In the future, we’d like to expand the park further.  We expect there to be a lot of interest in our campus when the Weavers Cross transport hub opens at the end of 2020. This means that all trains and buses will arrive at Belfast’s main terminus, a five minute walk from Weavers Court.”

Brian Shane, Corporate Banking Manager at Danske Bank said: “Weavers Court has established itself as one of the UK’s leading campus-style city centre business parks.  The park offers flexibility for its tenants, a high quality working environment close to the city centre and is now home to many of Northern Ireland’s most exciting start-ups.

“The Company’s investment will support the regeneration of the area which has already seen the development of hotels and Weavers Cross Transport Hub which will be opening next to the park.  The owners have invested heavily in creating a high quality campus for businesses to grow and we’re delighted to support this next phase of expansion.”

Geoff Sharpe, Head of Corporate at Danske Bank added: “The shortage of grade A office space in Belfast has been well documented over the past few years. There is an encouraging pipeline of product currently under construction or due to commence, typically to meet the demand of larger occupiers and FDI. It is good to see continuing investment in Weavers Court which will provide expansion opportunity for existing occupiers and flexible space for indigenous companies and start-ups.”