For most people driving between Wilmington and Leland, Belville is the stretch of U.S. 17 and N.C. 133 you pass through on the way somewhere else. That may be about to change. This fall, the Town of Belville announced real movement on a plan it has talked about for nearly two decades: a mixed-use downtown on the Brunswick River, tied into an expanding Riverwalk. If you own a home in northern Brunswick County, or you’re weighing a move to the Leland and Belville area, here’s what’s happening and what it could mean for you.
What Belville Announced
On October 1, 2026, WECT reported that developers are evaluating riverfront property at the end of Main Street for a mixed-use district. Mayor Chuck Bost described a plan that started as his own “napkin sketch”: shops and restaurants on the ground floor with apartments above, plus a new town hall, police department, and post office.
The town’s October 2026 newsletter says Belville is “actively working with a developer” on the project and describes it as a waterfront district with shops, restaurants, residential development, and civic amenities. It’s important to read this for what it is: progress, not a groundbreaking. In the WECT report, the mayor said the developers were still reviewing the financial details, and the town would announce when they’re committed and ready to build.
Why This Spot Matters
According to the same WECT story, this area was once part of U.S. 17 and served as Belville’s original commercial core. When the highway was rerouted, traffic moved away and the old main street went quiet. The riverfront land left behind is now the centerpiece of the town’s plan to give Belville a true downtown of its own.
The Riverwalk Is Growing Too
The Belville Riverwalk Park is already one of the best public waterfront spots on the Brunswick County side of the river. The town’s newsletter says Phase II of the Riverwalk Boardwalk Extension was nearing completion and, weather permitting, expected to finish before November. The extension adds more river views, walking trails, and green space, and the town describes it as part of a long-term plan to connect the Riverwalk with the future downtown.
The Riverwalk is also where Belville gathers. This October alone, the park hosted Founders Day celebrating the town’s 49th birthday and a Halloween Trunk or Treat. For buyers, that kind of active, walkable public space is often a bigger quality-of-life factor than it looks on a map.
Planning Work Behind the Scenes
Big projects need rules to guide them. According to Port City Daily’s October 5 meeting roundup, the Belville Planning Board’s agenda included reviewing and approving a request for proposals for a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and a Downtown Master Plan. Those documents will shape what can be built, where, and how dense it can be. If you own property in town, they’re worth following, because they can affect everything from what your neighbor can build to how future traffic and parking work.
What It Could Mean for Homeowners and Buyers
For Current Homeowners
- More to do close to home. If the downtown is built, residents would gain restaurants, shops, and civic services within a short drive, or a walk for those closest to Main Street.
- A stronger sense of place. Walkable waterfront districts tend to give a town an identity that buyers notice. That can help a community stand out, though no one can promise a specific effect on home values.
- Construction and change. New development brings construction traffic and more activity. Homeowners near the river should watch the master plan and planning board meetings and speak up early.
For Buyers and Relocators
- Location is already a strength. Belville sits just across the river from downtown Wilmington, between Leland and Navassa, so commutes into the city are short compared with much of Brunswick County.
- Buy for today, not the rendering. A downtown that isn’t under construction yet shouldn’t be the main reason you choose a home. Pick a home that works for you now, and treat the downtown as a possible bonus.
- Check utilities and growth plans. Northern Brunswick County is growing fast. WECT reported on October 27, 2026 that the county is planning a roughly $173 million upgrade of the Navassa wastewater plant, shared with H2GO, with construction expected to start in mid-2027. Infrastructure like this is part of what makes new development possible in the area.
For Sellers
If you’re selling in or near Belville, the Riverwalk and the town’s downtown plans are worth mentioning to buyers, especially those relocating who may not know the area. Keep it honest: describe the downtown as a plan in progress, and let the existing Riverwalk Park and the short drive to Wilmington do the heavy lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Belville’s downtown be built?
No construction date has been announced. As of the October 2026 reports, developers were still evaluating the project’s finances, and the town said it would announce when they’re ready to break ground.
What will the downtown include?
Based on the town’s newsletter and the mayor’s comments to WECT, the plan calls for shops and restaurants, residential units such as apartments above retail, and civic buildings including a new town hall, police department, and post office.
Is the Riverwalk extension open?
The town’s October newsletter said Phase II was nearing completion and expected to finish before November, weather permitting. Check the Town of Belville’s website or social media for the latest opening update.
Is Belville part of Leland?
No. Belville is its own incorporated town in northern Brunswick County, next to Leland and Navassa. Many people use “Leland” loosely for the whole area, so it’s worth confirming which town a home is in, since that affects town taxes, services, and rules.
Thinking About Belville or Northern Brunswick County?
Belville is a small town with a big plan, and it’s worth keeping an eye on. Whether you’re buying your first home near the river, relocating to the Wilmington area, or wondering how local growth affects your home’s value, we’re happy to walk you through it. Talk with Aspyre Collective about buying or selling in Belville.
