This Paper examines the contribution of the Laganside Corporation to t
he regeneration of the city of Belfast, The opportunity to achieve a c
ontinuing improvement in the conditions in which local people live and
work has arisen through the identification of surplus industrial, pub
lic utility and port lands, These various sites straddle the Lagan, wh
ich is a short tidal river much neglected during the rapid development
of the Victorian city, The river corridor has been enhanced by the co
nstruction of a new weir, and river management has been improved with
substantial dredging and the installation of aeration equipment, Acces
s to and along the river is being progressively improved by the creati
on of public walkways, The Corporation has made good progress with its
civic partners, the City Council and the Belfast Harbour Commissioner
s, pursuing a development strategy which is based upon a realistic ass
essment of market needs, New infrastructure in the area will encourage
developer interest-direct grant aid can act as a distortion in the ma
rket place and deter private investment, Laganside is already attracti
ng new investment and interest in Belfast and Northern Ireland, thereb
y creating significant employment opportunities.