Leading contractor GRAHAM and TODD Architects welcomed students from Queen’s University Belfast to The Loft Lines, the landmark residential-led development in the city’s historic Titanic Quarter.

Delivered on behalf of Watkin Jones and Legal & General, The Loft Lines is set to be the city’s most sought-after riverside development with 778 apartments, including 151 affordable homes and Belfast’s first build-to-rent (BTR) apartments (627). The development will feature external landscaping including scenic walkways, an urban woodland and waterfront promenade which will become a new focal point within the Titanic Quarter.

GRAHAM’s design team and TODD Architects welcomed 20 students to the site which has been inspired by the industrial history of Belfast.

The first-year architecture and engineering students saw the excavation and laying of foundations and witnessed the importance of teamwork and collaboration between different trades on a complex development, helping them to understand how their studies apply to real-life construction projects.

John Monahan, project manager at GRAHAM, said:

“It was fantastic to welcome students to one of the most ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in the city.

“Strengthening partnerships with students allows us to connect with the next generation of construction workers and enables us to offer valuable guidance for taking the next steps in their career.”

Before arriving on-site, the students were given an introduction to the Loft Lines development by TODD Architects, walking them through the plans and discussing some key considerations that led to the proposals for one of the largest residential developments in Belfast.

Rachel Colbert, associate director at TODD Architects, said:

“We were delighted to give the students an opportunity to observe the ongoing works on a live site and get an understanding of how those architectural plans and elevations become a reality through detailed coordination and collaborative working between the design team, contractor, and client.

“The students were visibly enthusiastic to learn more about the various trades on site and develop their knowledge of career options in the Construction industry.”

GRAHAM is committed to supporting career pathways into the construction industry through its dedicated GRAHAM Academy, which includes a graduate development programme, apprenticeships, work experience and undergraduate placements.

In the last year, it has welcomed a record number of new apprentices to the Building North division, almost doubling its headcount from 18 to 38 roles, including trainee engineers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, and site managers.