St James Farm:
Reclaiming urban space for people and nature
Where the terraced streets of St. James’ in West Belfast meet the wild beauty of the Bog Meadows, local residents saw potential in a neglected piece of public land. What was once vacant and uninspiring became a thriving urban farm.
With an initial boost of funding for shipping containers, MMAS stepped in pro bono to shape a more ambitious vision. The result? A thoughtfully designed urban sanctuary, offering crops, animals, and community life against the backdrop of the M1 motorway and neighbouring Belfast Hills.
Urban regeneration
Galvanized steel elements
Seamless Integration
Community Space
Galvanized steel integrated into the landscape
Galvanised Steel as a regeneration material
The farm’s structure is a study in resilience and warmth. A robust, corrugated steel shell faces the motorway, protecting the inner sanctuary. Inside, timber cladding—donated by a local builder’s yard and finished in classic agricultural red—creates a softer, more inviting space. A playful colonnade of galvanized steel ‘V’ supports wraps around the farm, designed to host climbing plants that will weave the buildings into the landscape over time.
At its heart, a covered gathering space connects the farm to the wider community. Sliding gates open onto the Bog Meadows, inviting passersby into the life of the farm—where events, workshops, and daily rhythms bring people closer to nature.
Use of Galvanizing
Galvanized project brings country to city
Now a beloved fixture of St. James’, the farm brings the countryside into the city. Here, children learn firsthand about food, animals, and sustainability, while residents wake to the crow of a rooster and watch livestock graze the donated meadows beyond. It’s proof that with vision, collaboration, and a touch of galvanized ingenuity, even the most overlooked spaces can become something remarkable.
All images ©MMAs
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