Project Update

Newsletter Issue 27

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, foundation excavation has continued steadily throughout the week, and the team is continuing to make good progress across the site. We are pleased to report that approximately 85% of the old site foundations have now been successfully removed, marking another positive step forward in preparing the site for the next phase of works.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will continue progressing with the breakout and removal of the remaining foundations as we work towards full completion of this phase. Reaching this milestone will bring the recent noise and vibration associated with these activities to an end. Our focus will then move to levelling the site surface and installing secure hoarding around the perimeter, ensuring the area is left safe, tidy, and ready ahead of the next phase of works, which is planned to commence later in the year.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 26

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, work on site has continued smoothly and in line with the planned programme, with the team making strong progress in removing the remaining foundations across the site. The recent spell of brighter weather has also been a welcome boost for those working on site each day.

We are pleased to report that approximately 75% of the old site foundations have now been successfully removed, marking another positive step forward in preparing the site for the next phase of works.

Looking Ahead

Next week, work will continue with the careful breakout and removal of the remaining foundations, with particular focus on the area of the site adjacent to the Edge Student Accommodation. In this location, we have introduced revised working methods designed to minimise disruption for neighbouring building users. While these methods take a little longer to carry out, they significantly reduce noise and vibration, helping to ensure a more considerate approach for those nearby.

By the end of the week, we are hopeful that we will be very close to completing the removal of all remaining foundations. Attention will then begin to turn toward the final steps of this phase of the project, including levelling the site and installing the temporary hoarding that will remain in place until the new build phase begins later in 2026.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 25

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, work has progressed steadily this week, maintaining the positive momentum established in recent weeks as we continue to expose and carefully remove the remaining foundations from the previous buildings on site.

Alongside this, we have been working closely with the professional team to review our approach to operations along the Edge Student Accommodation boundary. Following a series of productive site meetings, a revised working method has now been agreed. This updated approach will significantly reduce noise and vibration, helping to minimise disturbance to our neighbours while allowing works to continue safely and efficiently.

Looking Ahead

Next week, works will continue in much the same positive vein, as we continue with exposing foundations, breaking out concrete, and removing rubble from site in preparation for the next phase.

The revised working method at the Edge Accommodation boundary will take a few days to fully implement. We are hopeful to return to that section of the site before the end of the week. Once in place, we will closely monitor noise and vibration levels throughout the duration of works in that area to ensure disturbance is kept to an absolute minimum.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 23

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, this week has been another busy and productive period on site. Our team has continued the exposure and breakout of the former Northland House foundations, making steady progress across the site.

As work has advanced, we've found that some of the pile caps are larger than anticipated, which is understandable given the limited historic information available about the original building. In a few areas, the concrete has also proved particularly robust, meaning it has taken a little more time and force to break out. One such area is along the boundary with Edge Student Accommodation, where we are currently reviewing our working approach to ensure the work continues to be carried out in the safest and most considerate manner.

On a more interesting note, the team has uncovered foundations belonging to the school that occupied the site prior to Northland House. It's been a fascinating discovery that offers a glimpse into the site's earlier history.

Looking Ahead

Next week, work on site will continue in a similar rhythm as we progress with the breakout of the remaining foundations. This phase is an important step in preparing the site for the next stage of the project. We will also be installing vibration-monitoring equipment along the site boundaries. This will allow us to carefully track vibration levels and ensure our activities remain within the limits set by relevant British Standards and Belfast City Council thresholds for noise and vibration, helping us to carry out the works safely and considerately for our neighbours.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 22

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, This week we have made positive progress on site as we begin exposing the existing Northland House pile caps. These are the concrete elements that once helped distribute the building’s weight down to the foundations below. Where these conflict with the new building’s foundation system, they are carefully broken out in a controlled manner. Alongside this work, we have continued to remove remaining rubble and redundant plant from site, steadily clearing the area and preparing it for the next stage of construction. Overall, good progress is being made as we move into this important phase of the project. 

Looking Ahead

Next week, work will continue in much the same positive rhythm as we move steadily toward the final stages of the Northland House project. Consistent progress is being made, and the team remains focused on safely completing the remaining works and preparing the site for the next phase.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 21

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, despite the challenging weather conditions brought by Storm Chandra this week, we are delighted to celebrate the successful completion of the Northland House superstructure demolition. This is a significant landmark achievement for the project team and a major milestone in this phase of the works, marking strong progress across the wider CDHT project.

Looking Ahead

Next week, works will continue with the removal of remaining rubble and materials from site, with waste being carefully segregated and transported to appropriate recycling and disposal facilities. This will allow us to fully clear the site in readiness for the final stage of the demolition, which will involve breaking out the ground floor slab and exposing the existing foundations.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Press Release

Planning Approval Granted for Ulster University’s Transformational Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology. 

Belfast City Council has granted planning approval for the landmark Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT), a major new innovation hub that will strengthen Northern Ireland’s position as a global leader in medical technology and digital healthcare. Led by Ulster University and supported through the Belfast Region City Deal, the £40 million project will deliver a bespoke Open Innovation Centre and Community Living Lab on Frederick Street, adjacent to the university’s Belfast campus, alongside dedicated Clinical Living Labs within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. 

Together, these facilities will provide end-to-end support to innovators developing next-generation medical technologies, from concept and prototyping through to clinical validation and commercialisation. The Centre will bring together leading expertise across engineering, data science and clinical practice, co-locating academic researchers, clinicians, industry partners and entrepreneurs to accelerate the safe and efficient journey of innovations from the laboratory to patient care Specialist capabilities will include artificial intelligence, surgical robotics, diagnostics, data analytics, design and simulation, imaging and vital signs monitoring.

The CDHT forms a core component of ambitions to establish Belfast as one of the best places in the world to design, develop and launch innovative medical devices and diagnostics, delivering economic growth, high-value employment, enhanced skills development and improved patient outcomes. Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University said: “This is a step forward in delivering a major development in medtech for Northern Ireland. As a coinvestor, the University welcomes this planning approval, which allows us, with our partners, to progress a transformative project that will strengthen multidisciplinary research, deepen partnerships with the NHS and industry, and provide our students and graduates with exceptional opportunities. CDHT will further establish Belfast and Northern Ireland as a globally recognised centre of excellence for digital healthcare research and innovation and will complement our research and teaching in the School of Medicine in Derry~Londonderry and our Biomedical Sciences Research Institute in Coleraine.” Professor James McLaughlin CBE, Director of the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology, added: “This is a hugely important milestone for the establishment of the CDHT facility and for the wider life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland. With planning approval now secured, we can move forward in delivering a truly world-class facility that brings together clinicians, researchers and industry under one roof. CDHT will accelerate innovation, help transform patient care, and ensure that ideas developed here in Belfast can be scaled to make a global impact.”

Professor Brian Meenan, Associate Dean for Research & Innovation, Ulster University, said the decision marked a major step for the Belfast Region City Deal programme: “The approval of planning permission for CDHT is a clear demonstration of the Belfast Region City Deal in action, turning ambition into delivery. This project represents over £40 million of investment in our regional innovation economy and will create a powerful platform for collaboration between universities, industry and healthcare partners. It will drive productivity, attract inward investment and create high-value jobs while placing Belfast at the forefront of digital healthcare innovation.” Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald added: “Reaching this milestone reflects the commitment of Ulster University and its partners to delivering a cutting edge innovation centre for Life and Health Sciences. Growing this sector is a key priority of mine, and CDHT - one of the flagship Belfast Region City Deal investments - marks an exciting step forward in strengthening digital healthcare and MedTech innovation in the north.”

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Matthew Patrick said: “The Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology will ensure Ulster University, and Northern Ireland, remain at the cutting edge of medical technology innovation. I’m confident that this will lead to better outcomes for students and patients, and it’s great to see this progress on the UK Government’s £34m investment in the Centre, part of our wider £350m investment in the Belfast Region City Deal.& quote; The CDHT ecosystem will operate as a collaborative ‘one-stop shop’ innovation cluster, supporting research collaboration, business development and foreign direct investment while enabling enhanced networking between academia, industry, clinicians, government agencies and patient cohorts. 

Construction at the Frederick Street site is expected to progress following the completion of a formal competitive construction tender process.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 20

This Week on Site

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders, work on site has continued at a steady pace and good progress is being made on the final section of the building. The very last part of Section 4 is a particularly delicate phase of the demolition, and recent spells of heavy rain and strong winds have meant this element has taken a little longer than originally hoped. This is because the specialist saw and cherry picker being used require safe, calm conditions to operate.

To make the best use of time during these weather-affected periods, our team has been focusing on clearing and removing rubble from site in advance, helping to keep the project moving efficiently and preparing the area for the next stages of work.

Looking Ahead

Next week is expected to continue much in the same way as this one. We are hoping for a couple of dry, temperate days to allow us to safely complete the final elements of Section 4. In parallel, and whenever weather conditions are less suitable for this specialist work, our team will continue to focus on removing rubble from site, helping to keep the area tidy and prepare the site for the next phase of the project.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

What is CDHT?

CDHT is the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology, a 42 million pound investment as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

Its goal is simple but ambitious: to make the Belfast City Region a global leader in digital healthcare innovation. CDHT brings together clinicians, researchers, engineers, and industry to design, test, and launch new medical devices and diagnostic technologies, focusing on major health challenges like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illness, and stroke.

In short, CDHT is about smarter technology, better healthcare, and a healthier future for everyone. 

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 19

This Week on Site

Following the Christmas break, the team has successfully remobilised on site, beginning with essential housekeeping works including the removal of accumulated waste. We have since made excellent progress on the final section of the superstructure, Section 4. As of 16/01/26, this section is now nearing completion, with just a few days of work remaining to bring this phaseto a close.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will begin the systematic removal of all rubble and waste generated during the demolition works. This will fully clear the site and enable accessto the ground floor concrete slab in readinessfor the next phase of works. Overthe coming months, activity will transition to ground and foundation level, marking an important step forward asthe project continues to progress.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 18

This Week on Site

This week we reached another important milestone in the demolition of Northland House with the successful completion of Section 3 - the part of the building located closest to Frederick Street Car Park. This phase required particularly careful planning due to the limited working space, the close coordination needed between the demolition and scaffolding teams, and periods of high winds. Despite these challenges, the works were carried out safely and effectively, and we are pleased to confirm that this section has now been completed successfully.

Looking Ahead

While our original aim was to complete all sections before the Christmas break, the additional complexity involved in Section 3 meant a more considered approach was required. During this time, we have strategically progressed works to Section 4, carefully demolishing as much as possible while ensuring the structure remains fully stable over the holiday period. The Northland House site will be safely secured from 19/12/2025 to 05/01/2026.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and thank you for your ongoing understanding as works continue.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 17

Dear Local Residents & Stakeholders,

This Week on Site

As works continue on Section 3, our specialist scaffolding team is carefully adjusting the scaffold to align with the reducing height of the structure. As the scaffold is securelytied into the building, these adjustments are essential to maintain safety as demolition progresses.

Recent periods of high winds have meant that some activities at height neededto be temporarily paused; however, the team has continued to make good use of time. Where conditions did not allow progress on Section 3, attention was redirected to Section 4, the final section of the building.

Thisflexible approach has allowed the project to continue moving forward safely and efficiently despite the challenging weather conditions.

Looking Ahead

We are hopeful for kinder weather conditions in the coming period, which will allow our team to work safely at height, complete Section 3, and continue progressing the remaining works in Section 4.

Kind regards,

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd

Local Residents' & Stakeholders' Newsletter

Local Residents' & Stakeholders' Newsletter

Planning Application for Northland House Set for Submission

A planning application for Northland House is set to be submitted to Belfast City Council this week. The process is expected to take 7-10 days for verification before appearing on public portals.

The application aligns with previously released designs and details.

Stay tuned for further updates as the application progresses.

Thursday 13th February  6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

A set of three short talks (printing medical implants; defibrillators and remote temperature monitoring) followed by a panel session and system demo’s will showcase how NI MedTech is helping save lives via new products, research and innovation.

As part of the Belfast Region City Deal, the £42m Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (“CDHT”) and associated living labs in the areas of cardiology, diabetes, respiratory and stroke is being scaled-up. A short overview of the centres capability and plans will be presented by the project lead.

The vision underpinning CDHT is to help establish the Belfast City Region as one of the best places in the world to design, develop and launch innovative medical devices and diagnostics measurably contributing to economic growth and productivity, reduced healthcare costs, enhanced levels of care and improved patient outcomes.

Come along and hear more about this dynamic development and see the types of therapeutic, surgical and diagnostic products changing peoples lives.

Speakers

Professor Jim McLaughlin – CDHT -Ulster University

Professor James McLaughlin is the Director and co-founder of Ulster University's Nanotechnology and Integrated-Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC) with previous roles which includes the Engineering Research Director and the Head of School of Engineering. He now heads up the £43M BCRD Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology-CDHT. A Fellow of the Institute of Physics and the Irish Academy of Engineering, he was awarded an OBE for his services to Research and Economic-Development and a CBE in 2022 for Research and Education. He has attracted over £100M research Funding; has over 400 published works (h-index 50); 40 patents and founder of a range of successful spin-outs.

Dr Roisin Molloy - Trimedika

Experienced CEO of https://trimedika.com & EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021, building innovative medical technology. Having completed the Ignite 100 program I am passionate about translating technology into the hands of doctors and nurses to save money, optimise infection control, reduce plastic waste for the benefit of patients and our planet. Connectivity of our vital signs devices will revolutionise patient care and enable rapid upload of patient data to their electronic record.

Daniel Crawford – Axial3D

Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device industry. Skilled in Medical Devices, Educational Technology, Management, Healthcare, and 3D Visualization. Strong business development professional with a Master of Science (MSc) focused in Medical visualisation and human anatomy from University of Glasgow in association with the Glasgow school of art.

Adam Harvey – HeartSine – Stryker

Dr Adam Harvey is the Clinical Research Manager at Stryker Belfast, with over a decade of expertise spanning basic, translational, and clinical research. A published scientist with more than 30 peer-reviewed papers in cardiovascular science, he specializes in emergency medical devices, translational medicine, and clinical applications. Dr. Harvey is a leader in medical device research and compliance, overseeing processes in alignment with global standards such as ISO 14155 and EU MDR. He leads a team of clinical and biomedical engineers responsible for supporting research, new product development and clinical affairs for HeartSine public access defibrillators.

For more information: https://nisciencefestival.com/events/ni-medtech-saving-lives

New Work Update: 25th February.

Work outlined below has now been completed.

Building Work Notification

We have been notified of some work being scheduled for Northland House.  The work is due to start on the 10th February, we understand that there will be some core drilling due for the need for a Grounds Investigation Survey. These works will cause some noise and vibration.  The duration of this work is approximately two weeks. Working hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though drilling will not occur continuously during this period.

Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology Consultation Notification

A new website has went live for the forthcoming Centre for Digital Health Technology (CDHT) providing various information such as; Project Overview, The Project Proposal and a section for 'Have Your Say' for public consultation feedback.  You can visit the website at: https://www.cdhtconsultation.com/proposal

Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT) - Consultation Update - November 2024