river lagan
Boat Store
A vital part of LORAG’s plans for the River Lagan is to see people from the community and further afield able to access the river on a regular basis. This ties into LORAG’s ambitions for the Lagan to achieve Blueway status with the Murray Lockhouse a key trailhead for the river. You can find out more about our ambitions for the Blueway here.
With this in mind, LORAG has been granted planning permission to build a boat house on a formerly disused site behind Gairdín Abhann. The boat store project is intended as a facility along the river Lagan that will be the base for river-based sporting and recreational activities. The store will accommodate space for 30 canoes in racks; storage of kayaks; storage of paddles, helmets and safety equipment; space for a 5m x 2m trailer; a briefing room for safety awareness, and general ancillary accommodation including a toilet /shower and a small office.
river lagan
Belfast's Bid to Become Ireland's First Urban Blueway
The boat house will have both vehicular and pedestrian access and direct access onto the walkway and the Lagan. You can see a plan outlining the access to the boathouse below:
People who know the area well will recognise the site as the location of the former Northern Ireland Water pumping station. This historic red brick building was demolished before the boat house idea was conceived, however, the design seeks to emulate the old pump house’s unique architecture.
Construction on the Boat House is due to begin in spring 2027 and will see the establishment of an asset which will serve the community for generations to come. You can see the 3D models below: