25 YEARS OF ARUP BELFAST
L-R: Wendy Langham, Programme Director, Belfast City Council, with David Algie, Director, and Paula Walsh, Managing Director, Arup.
WITH AMBITIOUS GROWTH PLANS IN PLACE, AND A GROUP TARGET OF NET ZERO BY 2030, SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS ARE A MAJOR FOCUS FOR ARUP BELFAST… Arup celebrates 25 years in Belfast
Global engineering consultancy Arup is marking a milestone quarter century in Belfast, after opening its first office in the region with a team of one back in 2000. Now boasting 130-plus employees, the regional office is setting its sights on 50% growth over the next five years, driven by low-carbon solutions in line with a group target of net zero by 2030. David Algie, Director, said, “As the office leader and a local myself, this carries a personal sense of pride of what we’ve accomplished with both our handprint on the region and the relationships we’ve built with the community, the city and our clients. “When Arup opened its Belfast office in 2000, it was a moment of optimism and opportunity for the firm. Northern Ireland was beginning a new chapter, and we saw the chance to contribute not just through engineering excellence, but through meaningful social impact.” The Good Friday Agreement having paved the way for greater private and
public sector investment in Northern Ireland, Altnagelvin Area Hospital was its first project and Arup initially focused on building and civil engineering projects. With a multidisciplinary offer also including M&E, structural and water engineering, and advisory services spanning planning, sustainability and project management, the Belfast office soon expanded its client base. As well as working with major developers and private sector clients, Arup has established successful partnerships with Translink, NI Water, DfI, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and multiple health trusts across the region. “What connects all these projects is a consistent focus on community engagement and long-term impact,” said David. “At Arup, we know that our work is only successful if it serves the people who use it whether that’s a commuter, a schoolchild, a business owner or a local resident. “We’ve also made it a priority to give back
through volunteering, STEM outreach, and pro bono work. Whether it’s supporting local charities or mentoring the next generation of engineers, our Belfast team are passionate about helping Northern Ireland thrive. “We’re able to bring that global expertise but deliver it locally, and the other big thing is we’re employee owned. We don’t have to answer to shareholders or a board and can make our own decisions, which is a major differentiator for us.” Moving from Adelaide Street to a larger space on Linenhall Street in 2006, Arup upgraded again in 2016 to its current Bedford House location. David heads up the Belfast team, alongside Sustainability Leader Diane Emerson and North Transport Group Leader Chris Caves. To mark its 25th anniversary, Arup Belfast hosted a celebratory event at the site of current project Belfast Stories and is raising funds for three charities, Macmillan Cancer support, TinyLife and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland.
Bedford House, 16-22 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FD T: +44 (0)28 9089 0900 - E: belfast@arup.com www.arup.com
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