About Us

We Love This City, We Love These Streets

In 2007 Mark J. Finlay developed a number of buildings in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Following our 'mantra' the project was mixed-use and mixed-tenure, including affordable rental apartments for one of the largest Housing Associations, above restaurants, shops, and cultural facilities. The second element included two adjoining office buildings - operating as the Midtown Center ® hosting small and medium sized businesses including creative industry companies. The top floor with its balconies over looking St Anne's Cathedral was home of The Presidents' Club, a Transatlantic initiative launched by entrepreneurs from the United States and Belfast who were seeking to underpin post-conflict economic development.

Within the Presidents Club we commissioned renowned Belfast Artist George Callaghan to paint a stunning triptych of Belfast.

An advocate of city quarters

Just as New York is characterized by its 'villages' so Belfast has become know for its Quarters.

While involved in peace and post-conflict transformation in Northern Ireland Mark Finlay was deeply involved in the regeneration and development of a number of Belfast's City Quarters - each with unique character. Some years later, in a speech in West Palm Beach, he aptly described Belfast as "once a city of two halves, now a city of seven quarters—and that's not bad Irish math!" This quote was later referenced by the Financial Times in an article discussing the 'peace dividend' and post-conflict investments in Belfast.

Cities bring together the things of life

Cities are vibrant hubs of trade, commerce, government, and civic life, each contributing to the dynamic tapestry of urban existence.

Mark Finlay's extensive experience across multiple countries and regions has encompassed a diverse array of projects that have shaped communities and enhanced infrastructure. His work includes the development of essential markets, bustling ports, transportation stations, hospitals, airports, colleges, shopping centers, museums, cultural facilities, as well as hotels and restaurants.

Notably, in Liverpool (above), he played a pivotal role in the development of crown courts. Through these endeavors, Finlay has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering urban growth and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. His multifaceted expertise highlights the importance of effective planning and development in creating cities that thrive culturally and economically.

'Makers' of sustainable cities and shared spaces

Cities are dynamic ecosystems defined by the people who inhabit them and the diverse opportunities they provide. They serve as cultural melting pots, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which enriches community life and fosters innovation. The vibrant tapestry of urban life—characterized by bustling markets, artistic endeavors, recreational spaces, and educational institutions—creates an environment where individuals can thrive, connect, and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

As 'city builders' and promoters of these urban environments, we recognize our pivotal role in shaping the landscapes that house these communities.

Our focus goes beyond mere construction; we aim to 'make' spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By thoughtfully designing neighborhoods that encompass not just housing but also green spaces, public amenities, and community centers, we strive to ensure that cities are not just places to live but also 'shared spaces' where people can engage, collaborate, and grow.

Moreover, we understand that cities are engines of economic activity, offering job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship. By promoting sustainable development practices and investing in infrastructure, we help cultivate a robust economy that supports local businesses and attracts further investment. Our commitment is to shape urban environments that reflect the aspirations of their inhabitants, empowering them to pursue their dreams and succeed in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, we believe that the health and vitality of a city are directly tied to the well-being of its people, and we are dedicated to enhancing that connection through intentional development and community engagement.

The Troubles

The above captures the scene th 'morning after' an 800 lb (360 kg) IRA car bomb exploded on Belfast's Bedford Street on 5th January 1992, behind Belfast City Hall. It was one of the largest IRA Bomb Attacks on the commercial heart of Belfast City Centre during the 30+ years of 'The Troubles' and caused extensive damage to property in the area.

Mark J. Finlay was at the scenes 10-minutes after the bomb detonated and was there for 96-hours without sleep in managing the clean-up in the aftermath of this horrific action. following one of the largest IRA Bomb Attacks on the commercial heart of Belfast City Centre during the 30+ years of 'The Troubles'. As a Surveyor responsible for the property's management, Mark coordinated working with the government agencies, building contractors and glazing companies.

Post-conflict transformation

Mark has often said one of the most admirable characteristics of Belfast's people, beyond their humor, is their resilience and determination.

Having been at the scene all night, as the dust was still settling following the massive bomb attack depicted beside, Mark was moved by the determination of Belfast's citizenry, getting off their commuter buses at 8 AM the next morning, only 100-yards from the bomb crater, and indignantly expressing their annoyance at not being able to get to work.

A week later, despite two large bomb attacks on the city, people were getting back to day-to-day business.

The picture above depicts the same building today, now redeveloped by Hastings Hotels Group as the Grand Central Hotel.

Titanic City

It was an honor to serve as a Commissioner of the Port of Belfast and one of the most rewarding parts of the role was to support and facilitate the development of Titanic Quarter and Titanic Belfast, where the RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched. It is often said, "She was perfectly fine when she left us" - Belfast humor to reconcile the pride and tragedy that inevitably goes along with the telling of the Titanic story.

Titanic Belfast is now one of the top two tourist attractions on the island of Ireland.

Revival - We love this city and we love these streets

We borrowed a line from a modern day hymn by Robin Mark entitled 'Revival' to promote new life in the city. One large poster caught the eye of the Mayor of Kraków, Poland who remarked at an regeneration conference, "The reason Belfast has been successful in regenerating post-conflict is because, "they love the city and its streets."

The song's lyrics include these lines:

Sure as gold is precious and the honey sweet
So you love this city and you love these streets
Every child out playing by their own front door
Every baby laying on the bedroom floor

Every dreamer dreaming in her dead-end job
Every driver driving through the rush hour mob
I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones
You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

The Public Square

Cities are often about glimpses rather than vistas, where the juxtaposition of buildings interrupt views and draw attention.

We are strong advocates of creating overhangs and entries, that draw the eye in and lead one through into the spaces beyond.

In our experience, small spaces and pocket parks are important break-out and congregational spaces that help bring the city to life.

Sometimes size matters!

While much of our focus is on 'human scale' buildings, that people relate to and that help define loved spaces, we equally know the importance of building headquarters scale buildings that necessarily must be imposing - conveying a sense of the importance of the function they enclose, and that lead to the sense of stature of the civic function and role. We have been played active roles in the development of HQ's for banks, government departments, courts, markets, transport exchanges, and civic buildings in cities globally.