Gasworks

The distinctive funnel and clock tower mark the place where the city's gas-making industry began production in the 19th century.  The Gasworks is a quiet place to escape from the bustle of the nearby city centre. It's a starting point for a pleasant walk or cycle along the River Lagan.

Getting to the Gasworks

Enter the park at Cromac Street and Cromac Place or from the Lagan Towpath. Plan your journey with Translink (link opens in new window).

History of the Gasworks

Gasworks was the site of Belfast's gas-making industry since the 19th century. The site, built on ground owned by the Marquis of Donegall, opened in 1822 and supplied gas for street lighting and domestic and industrial use.

Belfast Corporation used their profits from the gas industry to pay for the construction of Belfast City Hall, which opened in 1906.

By the end of World War II in 1945, around 120,000 people were using gas from the Gasworks site. But by the 1960s, demand declined as new technologies began to emerge and production finally stopped altogether in 1985.

The council bought the Gasworks site together with central government and the Laganside Corporation, in the early 1990s. The land was considered unsuitable for most uses, due to contamination, but a major refurbishment programme, part-funded by the European Union, soon turned the area into a modern business park.

Park events

To find out what events and activities are on in our parks, go to Park events.

Park opening times

Our parks open at 7.30am every day. Closing times change as daylight lengthens or shortens. Ballysillan Park and Glenbank Park close 30 minutes before our other parks.

Map of Gasworks