Sponsored by The Royal Society of Ulster Architects
Upon graduating in Architecture I left Belfast as quickly as I could. Not through choice, necessarily, with no experience I had little to offer a struggling construction sector and it probably had even less to offer me.
After a decade living away in Bristol, London and Rotterdam I have recently returned home. Where I moved away excited with nervous energy, coming back felt like a dull inevitability. Gradually conceding to my middle-agedness, phrases like ‘it probably makes sense’ and ‘we’ll be closer to family’ had entered and dictated my vocabulary. Three months later, I now feel both relieved and lucky in equal measure that I bounced off the plane at George Best Airport and straight onto Belfast’s housing ladder when I did.
With ongoing transport projects such as Grand Central Station set to open fully next year and an additional North-South Glider service starting in 2028 it could be feasible to get rid of your car
Either Belfast has changed, or my perception. It’s impossible to tell which, perhaps both. I now know that Belfast rivals Bristol’s bohemian undertones, it mirrors Rotterdam’s finely balanced toughness and charm and it hosts as many green spaces as leafy London.
This is all coupled with a booming creative scene whether it be art, film, music, fashion or architecture. ‘Home’ need not be viewed as a life of ‘two kids, a dog and an SUV within suburban mundanity’ that a returning diaspora of young Irish people may think, or even fear. To anyone who never left, if you ponder whether the grass is greener; it ain’t.
The concept of the ‘fifteen-minute city’ has been gaining attention. In basic terms, it involves work, amenities, bars, restaurants, nurseries, hospitals, schools and green spaces all within walking/cycling distance from your home. This isn’t to restrict people to their locality but to encourage a more healthy, sustainable and as a result, economical way of living.
Either by chance, or a well-executed long-term objective by city planners, Belfast has achieved this state of utopia. It is approximately a 15-minute cycle or 30-minute walk to the town centre from its peripheral limits in all directions. This is made easier by the growing number of traffic-free cycle and pedestrian paths weaving their way into and across town. With ongoing transport projects such as Grand Central Station set to open fully next year and an additional North-South Glider service starting in 2028 it could be feasible to get rid of your car.
The uncontrollably expanding new build developments, generally on the city periphery, can lack amenities as they are developing out of sync with the area that they occupy. Where do these people eat, drink, exercise and relax?
A radical idea for some, but think, instead of petrol, insurance, tax and MOT your money could be spent attending any one of the plethora of art, music or sports events hosted across the city. Greater contribution to the local economy helps to generate new business, which in turn attracts higher levels of tourism and further residents that fuels fresh demand for improved infrastructure. Infrastructure enhances connectivity and before you know it, the 15-minute city effect snowballs and can help the whole country feel closer still. The decision on where to buy a property has huge potential for igniting significant change.
If this has heightened your desire to buy, as an Architect and recent house purchaser, I have some advice.
Think about your future. If you are interested in extending a property down the line, then check its planning history. This is simple and can give an indication as to what is possible in your location. It is important to understand if you are buying within a conservation area; this doesn’t mean development is impossible, just more challenging.
Use your imagination. Visit houses, do not go off floor plans or, even worse, warped photography alone. Ceiling heights are fundamental to the experience of space. Ignore any ‘smoke and mirrors’ that the owner may use to tempt you. In existing builds most interior furnishings are removed before the completion date. Conversely be aware that untidiness or dated interiors are also not a reason to be put off.
A cliché, but think outside the box, i.e. the house. New build homes may be tempting as they are off the shelf products that provide a sense of immediate ownership. However, their relentless cookie cutter repetition means they tend to lack a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’; also known as character. Older properties are generally more central in location because the city has developed with and evolved around the housing. The uncontrollably expanding new build developments, generally on the city periphery, can lack amenities as they are developing out of sync with the area that they occupy. Where do these people eat, drink, exercise and relax? Their living room? Covid-19 and staying at home is over.
Finally, you would be wrong to assume that growing cities across Ireland will always be there waiting for you to plant your proverbial flag. Although Belfast is still one of the most affordable places to live, it is unlikely to remain this way.
