Construction starts on Belfast innovation centre expansion

Main contractor Henry Brothers has officially started work on the expansion of Queen’s University Belfast’s Momentum One Zero building.

A sod-cutting ceremony signalled the beginning of work on the expanded innovation centre, which forms a key element of the £70 million Belfast Region City Deal investment in digital innovation.

The development will provide purpose-built laboratories, co-location space for industry partners, secure computing and testing environments, and collaborative zones designed to accelerate product development, skills growth and commercialisation.

Jody Wilkinson, Managing Director at Henry Brothers, said: “Momentum One Zero is an exciting and highly significant project for Northern Ireland, and we are thrilled to be delivering this next phase of development on behalf of Queen’s University Belfast.

“As a Northern Ireland-based contractor, we are committed to supporting projects that drive innovation, skills and long-term economic growth.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast, said: “Momentum One Zero will support the creation of high-value jobs across digital and deep-tech sectors, while developing the skills our people need to access those opportunities.

“It represents a major investment in Belfast’s future as a city of innovation, opportunity and good jobs – and it shows what can be achieved through strong partnership with the UK Government, the NI Government and the Belfast Region City Deal.”