Queen’s University Launches Construction of Sustainable “Golden Mile” Student Accommodations

The University’s new build in the Dublin Road area will house up to 459 students and bring added vibrancy to an area that was once known as Belfast’s Golden Mile, delivering on its Civic Commitment to South Belfast.

A 2022 report revealed that for every £1 invested in Queen’s, the economic return was eight-fold.

Initiating the sod-cut alongside Kainos CEO, Russell Sloan, Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer stated:

“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 site is shared with software giant, Kainos, with the student accommodation due to intake its first cohort of students by September 2026.

Liz McLaughlin, Director for Student and Campus Experience said of the development:

“Belfast is a lively, future-focussed city that year-on-year, is attracting a higher number of students, meaning Queen’s has seen increased demand for university accommodation.

“Our continued investment in first-rate accommodation and facilities offers prospective students high-quality, secure living quarters, alongside a transformative student experience.”

The build of the ultra-low carbon emission construct will be the Northern Ireland’s first Passivhaus purpose-built student accommodation, a globally recognised standard whereby very little energy is used for heating and cooling and is yet another step in the University’s plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.