On January 5, 2026, two UK cities—Belfast and Liverpool—stood out as exemplars of urban innovation, both unveiling major infrastructure projects designed to transform how residents travel, connect, and experience their communities. While separated by geography and history, the initiatives in both cities share a common thread: a commitment to sustainable, people-focused transport that aims to reshape urban life for the better.
In Belfast, the City Council announced it had secured funding from the Department for Infrastructure to appoint an expert Integrated Design Team for what promises to be a landmark project: a moveable active travel bridge across the River Lagan. According to the Council, this project will not only bridge the physical gap between the historic Sailortown district and the rapidly developing Titanic Quarter and Queen’s Island, but also serve as a catalyst for regeneration and sustainable travel throughout the city.
The team assembled for the Sailortown Bridge reads like a who’s who of engineering and design. Global consulting engineers Arup and renowned bridge designers Knight Architects are at the helm, joined by Eadon Consulting for mechanical and electrical engineering and Cumming Group for cost consultancy. Together, they will deliver the first two phases of the project, culminating in a preferred bridge design recommendation expected in 2027.
Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, emphasized the project’s broader vision, stating, “Sailortown Bridge will help us achieve the Belfast Waterfront Framework’s vision of a better connected, more vibrant and more attractive corridor linking to and with key education, leisure, tourism and economic destinations, neighbourhood communities and the city centre.” He added that the Council is “delighted to see this much-needed regeneration project moving forward, thanks to investment from the Department for Infrastructure.”
The bridge itself will be a moveable swing design, a nod both to the city’s shipbuilding legacy and to the functional needs of river navigation. Héctor Beade, Design Director at Knight Architects, highlighted the project’s unique context: “The area's shipbuilding history, unique waterfront setting, river navigation requirements, and modal shift opportunities all combine to make this a very exciting project. We are looking forward to getting started with our integrated consultant team partners on this transformational scheme for the people of Belfast.”
Mike Mitchell, Project Director at Arup, pointed to the bridge’s strategic importance: “We are proud to be involved on this project that promises to make a pivotal contribution to Belfast's active travel infrastructure, with a new link across the River Lagan downstream of the existing Lagan Weir bridge. In connecting the historic Sailortown district with the Titanic Quarter via an opening bridge, the uninterrupted active travel corridor from the Lagan Gateway will be extended whilst also providing stronger links to the recently upgraded York Street train station.”
The Sailortown Bridge is envisioned as more than just a crossing. It aims to encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling along the Harbour Loop, creating a seamless corridor on both sides of the River Lagan. The design will reflect the area’s industrial heritage while providing modern solutions for active travel—a blend of history and forward-thinking urbanism that Belfast leaders hope will become an iconic symbol of the city’s renewal.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Irish Sea, Liverpool is blazing its own trail in sustainable transport. The city’s Highways team is celebrating the ongoing success of the Liverpool Live Labs Programme, a three-year, £30 million initiative funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with leading industry players, academic institutions, and local communities. The goal: to decarbonise local roads and set a national example for environmentally conscious infrastructure.
The Liverpool Live Labs 2 Programme has been nothing short of ambitious. Over the past three years, it has trialled and implemented more than 25 innovative solutions aimed at slashing carbon emissions, boosting climate resilience, and improving transport infrastructure for all. The expected carbon savings are significant—up to 772.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent by the end of the demonstration phase, which the Council equates to taking at least 300 cars off the road for a year.
Some of the standout innovations include the UK’s first optioneering tool for whole-life carbon analysis, luminescent road markings known as Luminokrom, permeable pavements (Kiacrete), recycled asphalt solutions (HALO RubberPave), adaptive traffic lighting, and smart IoT lampposts (Omniflow). These technologies have not only improved the efficiency and sustainability of Liverpool’s roads, but have also enhanced safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the Live Labs approach. Initiatives have focused on improving active travel routes and fostering a sense of ownership among residents. Creative campaigns and volunteering days have seen locals constructing bee hotels, planting flower beds, and building bird feeders—efforts that underscore the project’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
The programme has already produced tangible results. At Everton Park, the installation of luminescent road markings led to a 50% increase in active travel movements, with local residents offering positive feedback. On Princess Drive, a busy commuter route, the introduction of a new Mile Pave surface not only reduced noise from traffic but also achieved a 38% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional materials.
Recognition for Liverpool’s efforts has come from across the industry. The Live Labs projects have been shortlisted and commended at prestigious awards, including the CIHT NW Awards, Highways Awards UK, and the Green Business Awards. The programme has also received special recognition for outstanding partnership and climate leadership.
Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity at Liverpool City Council, captured the spirit of the initiative: “Through robust analysis and open collaboration, Liverpool is demonstrating measurable and sustainable benefits for our communities. The project has already created a number of notable success stories, as well as having a positive impact for residents across the city. The quality of roads have improved, as has environmental benefits such as air quality and noise levels. Other cities will be able to learn from our experience and join us on the journey to net zero.”
Both Belfast and Liverpool’s projects highlight the power of partnership, innovation, and community engagement in tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing modern cities. While the Sailortown Bridge promises to knit together the fabric of Belfast’s waterfront and encourage healthier, more sustainable travel, Liverpool’s Live Labs Programme is showing how technology and collaboration can make real strides toward net zero.
As cities across the UK and beyond grapple with the twin imperatives of economic regeneration and environmental responsibility, the stories unfolding in Belfast and Liverpool offer a glimpse of what’s possible when ambition meets action. From iconic bridges to carbon-cutting road surfaces, the future of urban travel is being built—one bold step at a time.
