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Date: 10 Dec 2024
Category: City regeneration and development
There’s a new addition to Belfast’s waterfront with the opening of the Queen’s Quay Kiosk.
Located between the Odyssey Arena and the Lagan Weir pedestrian bridge, the new coffee kiosk is part of ongoing plans to develop Belfast’s historic waterfront as a vibrant, connected experience.
Queen’s Quay Kiosk is the result of a collaboration between Belfast City Council, Maritime Belfast Trust, and the Department for Communities, showcasing how partnership is transforming the city’s waterfront.
Queen’s Quay was once a vital part of Belfast’s history when the Belfast and County Down Railway Station was established there in 1848. Today, it remains an important gateway, welcoming over 3 million visitors who walk, cycle, wheel and visit the Maritime Mile every year.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “It’s fantastic to see Native trading here at Queen’s Quay Kiosk on the Maritime Mile as a result of partnership between the Council, Maritime Belfast and Department for Communities. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people enjoying the Kiosk’s wares – from coffee to craft – and I’m really pleased to see both art and our industrial heritage incorporated into the design, as we continue to celebrate our creativity during Belfast 2024 and beyond.
“We’ve set ambitious targets through The Belfast Agenda around city centre living and further boosting our visitor numbers. To achieve those targets, city partners need to create more attractive environments to live in and visit, improve the public realm, connectivity, and access to food and entertainment offerings. The Kiosk is also the perfect complement to the raised planter and seating we helped to install recently – transforming previously unused land into a place to relax, complete with native plants. Together, Queen’s Quay Kiosk and planter offer some of the best views of Belfast’s Waterfront and the Maritime Mile, so make sure to visit!”
Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast, Kerrie Sweeney, said: “Queen’s Quay has developed from a bustling transportation hub to the heart of Belfast’s waterfront, shaped by landmark attractions like Titanic Belfast and the SSE Arena Belfast. The new kiosk, delivered with support from Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities, adds fresh energy to this historic area - championing sustainability, supporting local communities, and playing a key role in the waterfront’s ongoing regeneration.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said; “I am delighted that my department could both accommodate the siting of the kiosk on its lands at Queen’s Quay and also provide grant funding to Belfast City Council for the purchase of the kiosk. This collaboration, and the kiosk being a fine example of architectural design, will further enhance the draw of Belfast’s rich maritime heritage, contributing to the sustainable regeneration of this part of the city centre.”
The Queen’s Quay kiosk is set to become a key landmark on the Maritime Mile with its coloured sails, striking design, and welcoming atmosphere. Constructed from Corten steel and featuring two trading pods, the kiosk stands at 8m x 15m and is topped with high sails. Operated by Native, the kiosk will offer an inviting “coffee and bake” menu, and will provide a platform for local crafters, artists, and small businesses to showcase and sell their artisan products.
Adding to its unique appeal, the kiosk will feature five portraits by local artist Terry Bradley. They’re inspired by the hardworking men and women of industrial Belfast, and accompanied by personal stories from former dockers, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Queen’s Quay Kiosk is an example of how collaboration drives creative, community-focused projects. Funded by the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council managed the kiosk’s delivery, with design by MMAS Architects and OGU Architects. Maritime Belfast now owns and manages the kiosk, ensuring its role as a hub of activity along the waterfront.
For further details on the Queen’s Quay Kiosk and upcoming events on the Maritime Mile, visit maritime-mile.com