Saltwater Square for McCadden Design

As Historical Researcher and Writer, I was commissioned by McCadden Design to provide the historical research and interpretative content for the Saltwater Square heritage scheme on behalf of Translink as part of the Belfast Grand Central Station regeneration project. My role involved researching, developing and writing the content for four large interpretative units and two permanent heritage plaques, helping to embed the history of the area within one of Northern Ireland's most significant infrastructure developments. I undertook detailed archival and secondary-source research to identify the key stories associated with the site's industrial, environmental and social heritage, including the Blackstaff River, the Great Bridge, Boyne Bridge and the wider transformation of Belfast. Every piece of content was written specifically for public interpretation, balancing historical accuracy with accessibility and visitor engagement. The text was carefully tailored to meet strict design specifications and word counts while complementing the visual layout and historic imagery developed by McCadden Design. Working collaboratively throughout the project, I ensured the interpretation supported the wider placemaking vision for Saltwater Square, creating a lasting public heritage resource that encourages visitors to engage with the hidden history of the site while strengthening connections between Belfast's industrial past and its future as a modern transport hub.