Work is due to begin within days on Queen’s University Belfast’s new student accommodation and Kainos’ new global headquarters at Bankmore Exchange on the Dublin Road.
Planning permission was granted in April for tech giant Kainos to develop its new ultra energy-efficiency headquarters, and for Queen’s to develop the first Passivhaus purpose-built managed student accommodation in the north.
Enabling works for both projects start this month, with Queen’s having appointed Co Down construction firm Graham as main contractor on its scheme.
Queen’s says it plans to welcome students to its new facilities in time for the beginning of the September 2026 academic year while the 14-storey Bankmore Exchange is scheduled for completion within 24 months, with Kainos taking occupancy in early 2027 (it will take half the building and will lease the remaining floors to commercial tenants).
Kainos chief executive Russell Sloan said: “We’re eager to stimulate local economic growth and generate new opportunities in the city, and this building underlines our commitment to Belfast.
“In addition to our own base, this tech hub will provide sustainable office space for other companies. Our aim is to contribute to Belfast’s position as a leading destination for investment and employment.”
Queen’s University is one of the largest property owners in the city and has been at the forefront of the development of south Belfast throughout its history.
Its president and vice-chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “For the past 180 years, Queen’s has been renowned for providing a world-class education to our students and huge influence on the economic and social landscape of Belfast and beyond.
“This accommodation, together with Kainos’ new office space, will transform the landscape of Dublin Road, increase economic activity in the area through city-centre-living, and deliver tangible benefits for the welfare of our people and planet.”
The low-emission Passivhaus accommodation uses minimal energy for heating and cooling. Housing up to 459 students, it drives forward the university’s commitment to delivering nearly 3,000 new student beds by 2029 and meeting its net-zero commitments.
Both projects represent a multi-million pound investment by Kainos and Queen’s to the rejuvenation of an area once known as Belfast’s ‘Golden Mile’.
