Futurecity and landscape design consultancy Growth Industry were appointed to devise a Development and Animation Strategy for the Maritime Mile, Northern Ireland’s leading heritage waterfront destination. This mile-long stretch of the River Lagan joins the past and present - bringing cutting edge innovations in science, research, media and technology back to the Mile alongside Northern Ireland’s leading maritime tourist destinations.

Following an in-depth consultation process with the district’s key stakeholders, the strategy set out 12 bespoke principles and themes to underpin the vision and provide a clear filter system for a proposed programme of cultural initiatives. A new connectivity framework, the Links in the Chain, show how each stakeholder can retain their unique character while working together to form a vibrant waterfront destination. The strategy also proposed a programme of cultural initiatives – ranging from landscape improvements and bespoke street furniture to artist residencies and new public art commissions.

Delivery on the strategy includes projects like 'All The Things We Are' at the River Box, a storytelling project capturing the past and present voices of the harbour; SoundYard, a playful installation inspired by the sounds of the shipyard; and the Great Light.