GRAHAM has initiated construction works on a £64m ($80.6m), 8,500m² clinical research centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The new iREACH Health centre, a Belfast Region City Deal initiative, is led by Queen’s University in collaboration with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency’s Health and Social Care Research Development Division.

The project has garnered financial support through funding from the UK government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and Queen’s University itself.

Scheduled to open in early 2027, the centre will house up to 360 staff and aims to consolidate all elements of the clinical trial process into a single location.

The development is poised to enhance patient care and stimulate economic growth in the region.

The construction site is located at Lisburn Road, adjacent to Belfast City Hospital.

Dignitaries present at the ground-breaking included Northern Ireland's economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and health minister Mike Nesbitt.

The development is anticipated to create up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute an additional £733m to the region's gross domestic product.

Queen's University president and vice-chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: “iREACH Health signifies a new era for clinical trials in Northern Ireland, bringing together world-class expertise and cutting-edge facilities to accelerate the development and deployment of new medical treatments.”

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn said: “This is a vital project for the future of clinical research in Northern Ireland. iREACH Health is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration with our partners, and of the benefits of the Belfast City Region Deal to support economic growth.

“This landmark initiative will create new jobs and opportunities in Northern Ireland and I look forward to seeing it helping to shape the future of healthcare across the region.”

Prior to this development, GRAHAM-BAM Healthcare Partnership secured a contract for the new Children's Hospital at the Royal Victoria Hospital site in Belfast.

In December 2024, GRAHAM was chosen by Belfast City Council for a substantial £630m regeneration project aimed at revitalising the city centre and promoting urban living and housing regeneration.