Studio Ulster, also known as Belfast Harbour Studios Phase 2 is a proposed development comprising of purpose built, film studios and sound stages, dedicated workshops and film production support accommodation. The site is located within the Giant’s Park and sits immediately adjacent to Belfast Lough, and south of the previous Phase 1 development. Belfast Harbour Studios Phase 1 was granted planning permission on 25 February 2016 (LA04/2015/1605/F) and the facility was completed in May 2018.

In February 2020, Belfast Harbour Commissioners submitted a planning application (LA04/2020/0474/F) proposing the construction of a film studios complex comprising of ancillary offices, workshops, ancillary car parking, services and access from existing internal access road, landscaping and associated site works. This application was approved in August 2020.

The complex, called Studio Ulster, is a joint project by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by Northern Ireland Screen. Its 57,000 sq ft building will include two large-scale virtual production stages with in-camera visual effects stage, a motion capture stage, a 3D scanning stage for full body, facial and object scanning and an R&D smart stage with virtual production technologies to support research. The facility will also comprise 33,000 sq ft of stages, including a main 11,500 sq ft virtual production stage, a 5,000 sq ft secondary stage and a motion capture stage of 4,000 sq ft, together with supporting facilities and 24,000 sq ft of production offices.

In March 2021, Belfast Harbour Commissioners submitted a planning application (LA04/2021/1358/F) seeking amendments to condition Nos 2 (access), 7, 13, 20 (CEMP), 9, 10, 15, 16, 19 (ground conditions), 12 (noise/vibration), 17 (piling risk), 21 (drainage), 27 (landscaping) to enable a phased approach to the construction of the Studio Ulster film studios complex. This application was approved in September 2021.

In September 2022, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £25.2million Belfast Region City Deal investment in Studio Ulster. Construction on the Studio Ulster site is scheduled to begin in September/ October 2022 and the facility is expected to be fully operational and open for filming from early 2024.  

In October 2022, construction of Studio Ulster commenced.

In January 2024, representatives from six partner local authorities were updated on the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal projects, including Studio Ulster. During the meeting, it was reported that the construction of Studio Ulster at Giant’s Park, Belfast, was progressing at pace. Additionally, the appointment of a supplier for the equipment design, development, supply, and installation was underway. This cutting-edge virtual production facility will be operated by Ulster University through Studio Ulster Ltd.