Ulster University Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology Belfast Campus planning permission, CDHT architecture

Ulster University Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology in Belfast

22 January 2026

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Design: TODD Architects

Images: Cyanotype Media

Ulster University Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology, Northern Ireland

Planning permission has been granted for Ulster University’s new Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT).

CDHT is one of the five innovation projects that underpin the Belfast Region City Deal and will build upon Ulster University’s world class research and established track record for med-tech and digital healthcare technology developed in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

The new life sciences building designed by AJ100 practice, TODD Architects will extend the main Belfast campus with a new purpose-built facility over 6no. levels. The concept will bring together leading research groups including industry, academics and researchers to develop med-tech wearables within an innovation hub envisaged as a national exemplar of knowledge exchange and inspiration.

The building form envisages a robust brick base – in keeping with the wider family of campus buildings – with an articulated filigree screen responding to the Frederick Street frontage and comprising high-quality curtain walling and natural stone clad panels with further glass reinforced concrete fins to introduce a finer grain and provide visual interest. Feature fins to key internal spaces on the upper levels will vary orientation in response to environmental conditions and provide a playful element to this key street elevation.

Michael Burns, Associate at TODD Architects commented: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology, a project that will play a significant role in strengthening Belfast’s position as a leader in digital health and life sciences.”

The planning application was submitted by Turley on behalf of Ulster University, with TODD Architects leading the design team alongside Arup and Turner & Townsend.

About TODD Architects
TODD Architects – https://www.toddarch.com/ design places for people, working collaboratively with clients across private and public sectors to create sustainable buildings that respond appropriately to brief, setting and budget. As an AJ100 leading UK practice, with studios in London, Belfast, Dublin and Manchester, we have for almost 50 years successfully delivered projects of very differing scale and type across the United Kingdom and Ireland.