Set in the heart of 64 acres of beautiful Lagan Valley countryside and private parkland in Shaw’s Bridge, south Belfast, Belvoir Park is a truly unique Edwardian - inspired development with an architectural heritage that stretches back to the birth of the city of Belfast, and a vision to be a most exceptional place for residents to live in and appreciate for generations.

This is the story of our journey and our commitment to make Belvoir Park a special place for you to call home.

We hope you enjoy it and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Our story begins In 1854 when Robert Young, who had previously articled with the renowned architect Charles Lanyon, and his former pupil John Mackenzie formed an architectural practice in Belfast. Robert Young’s only son, Robert Magill Young became a third partner in 1880.

By the beginning of the twentieth century the Youngs and Mackenzie had developed the most successful architectural practice in the country, receiving some of the most important commercial commissions in Belfast.

Most spectacular of these was their Royal Irish Linen Warehouse built for the firm of Robinson & Cleaver in 1884. Its carved exterior, topped with ogee domes and towers, included bust portraits of the illustrious clientele of what was once Belfast’s most prestigious department store including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, The Dowager Empress of Germany and the Maharaja of Cooch Behar.

Across the Square, the imposing former head office of the Scottish Provident Institution on Donegall Square West completed in 1899 was another Young and Mackenzie commission. Its exterior, again profusely carved, featured allegories of the

Continents and panels reflecting the prevalent industries of the day including shipbuilding, rope-making and weaving.

The impressive Ocean Accident Guarantee Company building on the corner of Donegall Square East; Anderson & McAuley’s Department Store on Royal Avenue; and the Presbyterian Assembly Buildings at Fisherwick Place further reflect the incredible contribution Young and Mackenzie made to the development of the city at the turn of the last century.

Belvoir Park occupies a part of the demesne of Purdysburn House, which was donated to the Belfast Hospital Commissioners by the illustrious Batt family. The original house became an asylum in 1895, while the part of the estate closest to the River Lagan was acquired by Belfast City Corporation to represent Belfast’s first municipal hospital.

Young and Mackenzie were appointed architects of this ambitious project and were instructed to visit the most up to date fever hospitals in England and Scotland to observe best practice at that time. What they eventually created became one of the country’s most significant architectural and historical developments, not because of

any one building but because of the unique and consistent architectural language found throughout the magnificent group of pavilion buildings and their relationship to the central garden space and adjacent open countryside.

The Lord Lieutenant and Viceroy of Ireland, Lord Aberdeen formally opened the hospital on the 2nd August 1906. At this time the front section of the administration building and four of the ward pavilions were complete along with the entrance gates and the two gate lodges. A further two pavilions were added in 1911 and 1914 to complete the formal layout that exists to this day.

Such is their architectural importance, the main Edwardian buildings at Belvoir Park have been listed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency as Grade B2 in addition to a listed set of gate pillars and gates at the Ballylesson Road entrance. These were the gates of the demesne of Purdysburn House, which was demolished around 1965.

The site also contains an early Christian rath or ring fort, (400-1200AD) which is a scheduled monument.The Scottish Provident Building,

Donegall Square West, Belfast, Young and Mackenzie Architects (1899)

When Belvoir Park first opened its doors in 1906, it did so at a time when Belfast was the fastest growing city in the British Isles. It was in the midst of that glorious period between the end of Victoria’s reign and the start of the First World War; the time of Lalique, Tiffany, Mackintosh and Jekyll; of JM Barrie, Kipling, Wodehouse and HG Wells; of Holst and Elgar, Henry Wood and Vaughan Williams; a time when the first wireless signal was sent, when Amundsen reached the south pole, the Wright Brothers flew for the first time and Bleriot crossed the English Channel. It was an incredible period of expansion and optimism marked in Belfast by the opening of the City Hall in the same year that Belvoir Park was completed.

Belfast had only been incorporated as a city in 1888, its phenomenal growth driven by thriving linen and shipbuilding industries. The dawning of 1900 saw Harland and Wolff launch

four ships for the White Star Line, including Oceanic II, then the largest ship afloat (Titanic would not launch for another decade). Linen and shipbuilding generated business for a multitude of other industries in the city and beyond including rope-making, which employed nearly 3,000 people before the First World War.

Belfast firms were also responsible for well over half the total whiskey exports from Ireland and a dozen firms produced ‘aerated waters’. Indeed, Ross’s claimed to have invented the gin and tonic as a way of marketing their tonic water with quinine. The City had one of the largest tobacco manufacturers in the world and three car manufacturers that, by 1913 had built over 150 models.

The current Belfast Coat of Arms dates from 30 June 1890 when the Ulster King of Arms made a Grant of Arms to the new city.

The motto ‘Pro tanto quid retribuamus’ comes from Psalm CXVI (116), verse 12 of the Bible. Translated, it reads: “For so much what shall we repay”.

The precise origins and meanings of the symbols on the Coat of Arms are unknown but images such as the bell, the seahorse, the ship and the chained wolf were all used by 17th-century Belfast merchants on their signs and coinage. The seahorse, which is used twice, reflects the maritime importance of Belfast, as does the ship at the base of the shield.

It is against this backdrop of achievement, optimism and ambition that the original architects of Belvoir Park laid their plans.

The Belfast Coat of Arms on the front of the former Administration Building at Belvoit Park dates from 1890 when the Ulster King of Arms made a Grant of Arms to the new city.

Inspired by the grandeur of the Edwardian architecture and garden space that lie at its heart and the beautiful natural parkland and countryside that surrounds it, Belvoir Park will be a truly exceptional place to live in every way.

Set within 64 acres of one of the country’s finest private woodland and countryside environments, with the Lagan Valley Regional Park as its backdrop, Belvoir Park offers you a unique opportunity to make your home in one of the most sought after locations in Northern Ireland.

Featuring some of the most remarkable examples of Edwardian architecture, sympathetically restored and enhanced for modern living, plus the addition of a choice of magnificent new semi-detached and detached homes thoughtfully designed and built to complement the existing listed buildings, Belvoir Park will offer homeowners that unique combination of remarkable architectural heritage and idyllic countryside living you simply won’t find anywhere else in Northern Ireland.

Our vision is to create a breath-taking living space that respects, protects and enhances its natural and build heritage and most importantly provides a wonderful place for residents to enjoy for generations.

An aerial view of the location and scale of Belvoir Park.

Our design team has been driven by a passionate commitment to create a modern living space that sympathetically restores and indeed enhances the original Edwardian buildings and creates new spaces perfectly developed for modern living.

Our considered and respectful approach to the development will see the restoration of the original Pavilions and open garden spaces, enhanced by the addition of magnificent new detached and semi-detached homes whose design is sympathetic to the Edwardian architecture of the listed buildings but reflects additional influences from contemporaneous rural Edwardian architecture.

From the moment you enter Belvoir Park you will get a sense of the wonderful marriage of magnificent architectural heritage and idyllic countryside living that will epitomise the development. The layout of homes in the initial phases is formed from a series of flowing, organic, interconnected spaces inspired by the best Edwardian garden city planning that will emphasise the transition from the central gardens to the adjacent parkland and beyond. Streets will feel more like semi-

rural lanes and generous front and rear gardens will be enhanced with considered new planting and landscaping throughout the development to complement the original established trees, shrubs and landscaping.

Our new homes will feature a mix of brick and render finishes, in keeping with the more rural feel of this part of the development, each incorporating individual features and finishes that reflect their Edwardian inspiration.

The design concept for the existing buildings at Belvoir Park was very much driven by the desire to retain their magnificent external envelope with as little intervention as possible. To achieve this, many modern additions, which had been made to the original structures over recent times will be removed. Sensitive restoration will bring the buildings back to their original quality, using construction methods sympathetic to the original design and materials.

The buildings will be sub-divided vertically to create a series of townhouses with beautiful staircases inserted as freestanding elements within the existing structures. The scale and

proportion of the newly created spaces will be large and in keeping with the existing buildings. The proposed townhouses have been designed as a series of open plan spaces for living and reception areas with generous bedrooms above. These spaces will retain the grandeur and proportion of the original buildings.

The adjacent mansion buildings have been carefully designed to sit in harmony with the grandeur of the existing buildings. The scale of the new buildings will be sympathetic to the original buildings and the large impressive central spaces. Great care has been taken in ensuring the detailing of the new mansion houses is in keeping with the period style of the original architecture and flows seamlessly from one to the other.

The mansion house interiors have been designed to provide generous family accommodation with a scale and proportion that is rarely seen in modern homes and will be truly inspirational.

The magnificent Edwardian Pavilions and central gardens at Belvoir Park.

The impressive clock on the front of the former Administration Building at Belvoir Park.

The release of homes at Belvoir Park is scheduled as follows:

Phase 1 - Available Spring 2015 delivered from November 2015

Phase 2 - Available Summer 2015 delivered from May 2016 (Pavilion and related development)

Phase 3 - Available Spring 2016 delivered from November 2016 (New build)

Phase 4 - Available Summer 2016 delivered from May 2017 (Pavilion and related development and front gate lodges)

Phase 5 - Available Spring 2017 delivered from November 2017 (New build)

Phase 6 - Available Summer 2017 delivered from May 2017 (Pavilion and former Administration block start)

Phase 7 - Available Spring 2018 delivered from November 2018 (New build and West Wing)

The release schedules are subject to the build programme.

Grade B2 listed gate pillars and gates at the former Ballylesson Road entrance to Belvoir Park.

Every home at Belvoir Park will be built with a level of style, quality of workmanship and meticulous attention to detail that perfectly reflects their architectural and natural heritage while elegantly meeting the needs of modern family living.

New homes at Belvoir Park will demonstrate a sympathetic blend of traditional and contemporary features including:

• Handcraftedhardwoodwindows manufactured in Northern Ireland

• Roofsconstructedfromnaturalslate with a 75-year guarantee

• Abeautiful,traditionalclaybrick finish

• Underfloorheatingthroughoutground floor, bathroom and en-suite

• Moderngardenroomsincorporating sliding door technology imported from Germany

• Enablementofthelatestmechanical and electrical design concepts

• Choiceofqualitybathroom and kitchen finishes to help you make your house a home

At Belvoir Park, magnificent architecture and breathtakingly beautiful natural woodland and countryside sit harmoniously together, creating a living space that is truly remarkable so close to the City.

The site includes 34 acres of private ancient woodland with over 7,000 mature trees and magical walkways throughout to explore and enjoy on the edge of the Lagan Valley Regional Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Minnowburn River runs through the woodland before connecting into the River Lagan, creating a natural riverside walk for Belvoir Park residents.

The Parkland area provides a wide range of natural habitats including grass and wild flower meadows, a natural spring feed meadow and bluebell woodland glades - a wonderful environment for the many birds and animals that have made their home there.

Set within the grounds of Belvoir Park is an ancient stone age monument linked to the famous Giant’s Ring formed around a large standing of trees - a unique tranquil space for home owners to relax in and unwind.

The development also benefits from the formal gardens first laid out in 1904 and now being brought up to date by one of Belfast’s leading landscape architects to create an amazing shared space exclusively for the community at Belvoir Park.

Amazing wildlife and private natural woodland walks are right on your doorstep.

Nature never did betray...The heart that loved her, tis her privilegeThrough all the years of this life to leadFrom joy to joy; for she can so informThe mind that is within us; so impressWith quietness and beauty; and so feedWith lofty thoughts, that neither evil tonguesRash judgements, nor the sneers of selfish menNor greetings where no kindness is, nor allThe dreary intercourse of daily life,Shall ere prevail against us; or disturbOur cheerful faith, that all which beholdIs full of blessings.

Edith B HoldenIntroduction to The Nature Notes of an Edwardian Lady ~ 1905

Our parkland has many natural habitats including grass and wild flower meadows and bluebell woodland glades.

The beautiful Shaw’s Bridge, just a few minutes drive from Belvoir Park.

Recreation/AmenitiesBelvoir Park Golf Club

Malone Golf Club

Ramada Plaza Hotel & LA Fitness Gym

Queen’s Sport, Upper Malone

Malone House

Forestside Shopping Centre

Cairnshill Park and Ride

Shaw’s Bridge Sports Ground

Mary Peters Athletics Track

SchoolsSt. Ita’s Primary School

Cairnshill Primary School

Belvoir Park Primary School

Walks/ParksBelvoir Park Forest

Barnett Demesne

Clement Wilson Park

Shaw’s Bridge to Lock Keeper’s Cottage

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Lagan Towpath

Private Parkland 30 seconds

Shaw’s Bridge 2 minutes

A55 Outer Ring 2 minutes

Forestside Shopping Centre 5 minutes

Belvoir Park Golf Club 5 minutes

Malone Road & Lisburn Road 5 minutes

Malone Golf Club 8 minutes

M1 Motorway 10 minutes

Belfast City Centre 15 minutes

Lisburn City Centre 15 minutes

Belvoir Park enjoys the rural backdrop of Shaw’s Bridge and the Lagan Valley Regional Park, as well as easy access to Belfast City Centre and the City’s Outer Ring.

A host of schools, leisure and shopping facilities are within a few minutes drive of the development, or if you want to take life at a more leisurely pace, 34 acres of private forest and parkland are right on your doorstep.

A55

A12

A20

A55

A55

M1

Orm

eau Rd

Saintfield Rd

Belfast

Ballylesson

Crossnacreevy

FINAGHY

Odyssey Arena Belfast

Titanic Belfast

Castlereagh

George Best Belfast

City Airport

Shandon Park Golf Club

Stormont Estate

Belvoir Park Golf Club

St. Ita’s Primary School

Belvoir Park Primary School

Cairnshill Primary School

Queen’sSport

Mary Peters Athletics Track

Forestside

Malone House

Malone Golf Club

Belvoir Park Forest

Clement Wilson ParkShaw’s Bridge Sports Ground

Sir Thomas andLady Dixon Park

Lisbu

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d

Mal

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Rd

Sydenham By-Pass

Cairnshill Park and Ride

Purdysburn Rd

Purdysbur n Hill

Upp

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Belvoir ParkGiant’s Ring

Queen’sUniversity Belfast

Lagan Meadows

Barnett Demesne

Ramada Plaza Hotel &

LA Fitness Gym

Decorative plaque on the Gate Lodge at the Hospital Road entrance to Belvoir Park.

Established in 2001 by directors Patrick Heffron and Creighton Boyd, Neptune Group is one of the UK’s leading development companies.

The group has successfully delivered a wide range of imaginative and innovative projects across the UK, with a combined development value in excess of one billion pounds. These have included the large strategic developments of Neptune Wharf, Lock Keepers and Ealing Road in London along with the outstanding Recording Studio development, which

received the Evening Standard’s Award for ‘Best Conversion in London’ for the Group’s sympathetic restoration of this historic building.

In Northern Ireland, Neptune currently has plans for the delivery of over 400 high quality homes in the Greater Belfast and Lagan Valley area, which includes this exclusive development at Belvoir Park, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast 8.

For more information on Neptune Group, visit neptunegroup.com

Weather vane on the Clock Tower at Belvoir Park.

The team of architects that has been brought together to work with Neptune Group on this project includes some of the leading practices in Northern Ireland and the wider UK market.

Each brings a specialist knowledge and experience in delivering large-scale landmark schemes of exceptional quality and complexity.

Sutherland Architects Established for over 15 years, Sutherland Architects has created some of the most highly acclaimed design in Northern Ireland. Integrity and quality of design are central to the ethos of the company, and its core specialism focuses on bespoke concepts for residential projects and individual homes.

Its portfolio of innovative architecture reflects its ability to create spaces and buildings that produce outstanding living environments.

David Sutherland has led the master planning of the development, bringing extensive experience of listed buildings and delivery of projects in conservation areas. He has also applied this specialist knowledge to his work on the Pavilion designs.

John Simpson Architects Set up in 1980, John Simpson Architects is a truly International signature practice renowned for its high quality, timeless projects, designed to blend seamlessly into sensitive historic contexts and yet to stand as distinctive buildings in their own right.

Its best known completed buildings include the new Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace London, the re-modelling of Kensington Palace London (opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations) and more recently the major expansion of the prestigious Eton College. It has also recently won an international competition to develop and extend the Royal College of Music in London.

The practice specialises in residential design associated with listed buildings and has been involved with developing the design relationships between the listed buildings and the new build at Belvoir Park. It has also been involved in detailed consultation balancing the protection of the listed buildings with modern living requirements.

Recent completed projects include larger-scale developments for clients such as the Duchy

of Cornwall and individual residences for patrons such as Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and Roman Abramovich.

Alan Patterson Design Formed in 1995, Alan Patterson Design has earned an enviable reputation as one of the leading Northern Ireland housing architects delivering a refreshing and original approach to design across a wide range of residential projects.

This has lead to increasing commissions in other parts of the UK and was one of the reasons that Alan Patterson Design was selected to design the first Phase of new homes at Belvoir Park.

The practice is at the forefront in evolving small community based design, which has been incorporated into Phase 1 at Belvoir Park. The project team has worked closely with Neptune to detail each individual house and create a new community that sits sympathetically within the overall development scheme.