Henry Brothers, the main contractor on Queen’s University Belfast’s Momentum One Zero expansion, has marked the official start of construction at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter alongside representatives from government, civic leadership, academia and industry.
A sod-cutting ceremony signalled the beginning of works on the expanded innovation centre, which forms a key element of the £70 million Belfast Region City Deal investment in digital innovation.
The expansion, being delivered by Henry Brothers, will significantly enhance the centre’s capability when fully operational by the end of 2027. The development will provide purpose-built laboratories, co-location space for industry partners, secure computing and testing environments, and collaborative zones designed to accelerate product development, skills growth and commercialisation.
Jody Wilkinson, Managing Director at Henry Brothers, said:
“Momentum One Zero is an exciting and highly significant project for Northern Ireland, and we are thrilled to be delivering this next phase of development on behalf of Queen’s University Belfast.
“As a Northern Ireland-based contractor, Henry Brothers is committed to supporting projects that drive innovation, skills and long-term economic growth. This expansion will create a world-class environment for collaboration between academia and industry, and we look forward to progressing construction and seeing the centre’s impact grow over the coming years.”
The event was attended by Professor Sir Ian Greer, Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast; Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy; Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast; and senior representatives from industry and government, underlining the strategic importance of the project to Northern Ireland’s future economy.
Professor Sir Ian Greer said:
“Momentum One Zero is a clear example of how Queen’s is turning research excellence into economic impact.
“This expansion reflects the scale of ambition we have for digital innovation in Northern Ireland – supporting high-value jobs, strengthening our skills base, and ensuring that businesses here can compete and lead on a global stage.”
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy, said:
“Building on the north’s capabilities and strengths, Momentum One Zero has the potential to transform the region into a global innovation destination in areas including cybersecurity, AI and digital health.
“It will substantially increase the volume and range of digital innovation taking place and develop skills to meet industry needs. It represents a significant achievement for Queen’s University Belfast, the Belfast Region City Deal and the wider economy.”
Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lord Mayor of Belfast, said:
“Momentum One Zero will support the creation of high-value jobs across digital and deep-tech sectors, while developing the skills our people need to access those opportunities.
“It represents a major investment in Belfast’s future as a city of innovation, opportunity and good jobs – and it shows what can be achieved through strong partnership with the UK Government, NI Government and the Belfast Region City Deal.
“With £44.8 million of City Deal investment towards the project, Momentum One Zero will deliver long-term economic growth, over a thousand new jobs, and a stronger, more confident Belfast for the future. A milestone moment for the city.”
