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Turley secures planning permission for major Digital Healthcare Centre as part of the Belfast Region City Deal

On behalf of Ulster University, we have helped secure planning approval from Belfast City Council 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.

We provided expert Planning and Strategic Communications services for the development, which marks the culmination of many years of collaboration, hard work and engagement to deliver a game-changing investment in the Digital Healthcare space in Northern Ireland. 

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.  

Andrew Heasley, Associate Director, Planning said:  

“Planning approval for the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology represents a significant step forward for a £40 million investment that will strengthen Belfast’s position in the global medtech and digital health market. The project demonstrates how well-considered planning, design quality and policy alignment can unlock major economic and innovation-led developments in the heart of Belfast City Centre. CDHT will provide a critical platform for research, commercialisation and collaboration, supporting long-term growth, inward investment and high-value employment across the city and wider region.” 

Michael Jardine, Senior Consultant, Strategic Communications commented:  

“We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this landmark project for Ulster University. From the outset, our engagement strategy was focused on clearly articulating the value of CDHT, not only as a major physical investment, but as a long-term driver of innovation, skills and economic growth. By engaging early and consistently with stakeholders, we were able to build understanding and confidence in the project’s role within Belfast’s innovation ecosystem. The approval reflects a mature, well-managed process that balanced technical delivery with strong stakeholder relationships and a clear commercial narrative.” 

The wider design team included TODDs Architects who provided design and architectural services, ARUP, acting as the project engineers, and Turner Townsend, acting as the project managers. 

28 January 2026

Images courtesy of Cyanotype Media