Enjoy the ‘Sounds 
of the Shipyard’

The experience will be free to visit and open to the public later this year.

The impressive all-weather structure will be located on the waterside, next to the Odyssey and Abercorn Marina, which was once the site of a brass foundry and Kelly’s Coal yards.

The design and sound were inspired by the noise of striking metal emanating from the old shipyards.

SoundYard will celebrate Belfast’s maritime heritage, add to the animation, accessibility and vibrancy of the Maritime Mile, as well as help reconnect and educate children and adults of the significance of the shipyard to our city.

Children will enjoy the sensory experience whilst playing within the structure while adults connect with the sound and interpretation within the site.

“In response to ongoing Covid-19 guidelines, the installation will be activated by motion sensors to avoid children touching the apparatus.

The stucture’s unique design was the winning submission of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Early Career CityPlay Design competition in 2019.

The talented young architects, Hannah Wilson, Matthew Kernan and Eunan Deeney, were inspired by the noise of striking metal from the old shipyard works and the sounds from repurposed metal pipework.

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast Trust, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to team up with young architects, stakeholders and former shipyard employees to develop this amazing project.

“The SoundYard project aims to create a new bespoke play experience along the Maritime Mile and will also attract local communities and reconnect them with the city’s iconic waterfront, especially during these difficult times.”