Recent Planning Applications and Business Development Proposals – Belfast City Centre
A-Z by street
Location Proposal Image Abercorn Basin Use: Residential Concept Titanic Quarter Units: 253
Abercorn The Abercorn Tower was proposed on land to the north of Tower Abercorn Basin as part of the Titanic Quarter masterplan. The masterplan proposes a building of up to 30-storeys comprising approximately 253no. apartments. Planning Status: Approved
Project Status Proposed
Academy Use: Residential Concept Street Units: 90 81-87 81-87 Academy Street & 2-6 Exchange Street comprises a surface carpark and a former warehouse building built in Planning the 1950s and refurbished in 1991 by Lyons Architects to Status: form a showroom and office space. Approved Lacuna Academy Street Ltd submitted a planning Project Status: application in December 2017 proposing to develop a 19 Proposed storey residential building comprising 105 units (42no. one bed and 63no. two bed) and ground floor café unit. Start Date: 2019 An amended proposal was submitted in August 2018 proposing a 16 storey residential building comprising 90 Completion: units (30no.one bed and 60no. two bed) and ground floor 2021 café unit. The amended proposal also involves public realm improvements to the surrounding streets.
The ‘build to rent’ scheme is designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and it is expected that Five Nine Living will manage the building.
Manson Architects have been appointed to this project by Lacuna Academy Street Ltd and Watkin Jones Group. The application was recommended approval by Belfast Planning Committee in October 2018 and April 2019.
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Airport Road Use: Other West A proposed c£15m cruise ship facility at lands known as Cruise Ship D3, Airport Road West, Belfast. Terminal Belfast Harbour submitted a planning application in March 2016 proposing a “multi-purpose facility for berthing of Planning cruise ships, and for lay-by and transient storage of project Status: cargo, break bulk and dry bulk during cruise ship off Approved season”. The development comprises the construction of a 340m long quay with mooring dolphins and associated Project Status: dredging. An access road from Airport Road West will serve Proposed a modular terminal building and parking for coaches, taxis and visitor cars. Start Date: 2019 Construction was proposed to commence September 2016 and complete by April 2017, however the planning Completion: application was not approved until March 2019. 2020 Construction is now expected to commence during 2019.
Albert Square Use: Office Concept 1-5 Three-storey building originally built as two separate buildings. Planning Status: Stargime acquired Graham House in December 2015 and Approved propose to redevelop the site to provide up to 80,000 ft2 of
grade A office accommodation. Project Status: Proposed Stargime submitted a planning application in July 2017 proposing to develop an 11no. storey office building with a ground floor restaurant/cafe unit. The application was recommended approval at the August 2018 Planning Committee.
Amelia Street Use: Office 2 A five storey red brick building; designed as a four storey Blackstaff linen warehouse by W.J. Barre for Watson Valentine & Co. Chambers Ltd and built 1864-1865. The current modern fifth floor was reportedly designed by Coogan & Co. Architects in 1990.
Planning Hastings Hotel Group submitted a planning application in Status: February 2019 proposing to refurbish the building for office Approved use. The application was approved in August 2019.
Project Status: Lambert Smith Hampton placed the building on the market Proposed in November 2019 with offers invited in the region of £2milliom.
Ann Street Use: Residential 24 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 6
Planning A four storey building built during the 1970s and recently Status: known as Lesley Court. The ground floor retail unit is let to Pending Decision L’Occitane. Scotco NI Ltd submitted a planning application Project Status: (LA04/2018/1546/F) in June 2018 proposing to convert the Proposed vacant upper floors to 6no. apartments, including elevation changes.
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Bedford Street Use: Office Concept 17 Additional Uses: Retail
Bedford Square Bedford Square phase 2 is a proposed 213,000ft2 office Phase 2 development designed by Todd Architects for McAleer & Rushe. The scheme comprises refurbishment and extension of the listed Ewarts warehouse building for office Planning accommodation. A two storey link bridge will connect to a Status: new-build 17 storey building comprising basement car Approved parking, ground floor retail and office accommodation above. Project Status: Construction The revised proposals comprise refurbishment and extension of the Ewarts Warehouse Building to provide Start Date: office accommodation. The building’s elevation to Bedford Sep 2018 Street and Franklin Street will be retained along with the domed corner tower, floor structures, internal cast iron Completion: columns and feature staircase. A four storey extension is 2021 proposed with a two storey bridge link to a proposed new- build office building adjacent. The new building comprises basement car parking, ground floor retail space and 16no. office floors above. The revised proposal was approved in April 2017.
Remedial works within the existing listed building commenced during autumn 2018 in advance of the main underpinning / piling works.
Deloitte announced in January 2019 that it has selected Bedford Square as the location of its new head office in Belfast. The firm will occupy 100,000ft2 on completion in 2021. Bedford Street Use: Hotel 29-33 Additional Uses: Office, Cafe
A terrace of red brick warehouses built in the 1870s at 29 – Planning 33 Bedford Street. The terrace comprises approximately Status: 13,300ft2 across four storeys. Pre-Application Colliers placed the 0.34 acres site (comprising the terrace Project Status: and car parking to the rear) on the market during summer Proposed 2017 with offers invited in excess of £2m. The site sold in October 2017 for an undisclosed sum.
A public information event took place in June 2018 for proposals to convert the existing four storey terrace to office accommodation and develop a new office building on land to the rear (c.80,000ft2).
A public information event is took place for proposals to convert the existing four storey terrace to offices use with a cafe at ground floor and construction of a new apart-hotel building to the rear. Further information can be obtained from Clyde Shanks Planning.
Berry Street Use: Office Concept 22-24 Additional Uses: Retail
22-24 Berry Street is located adjacent to CastleCourt. The Planning three-storey building was sold in 2015. An outline planning Status: application submitted in 2015 proposed demolition of the Approved existing building and development of a residential building with a ground floor retail unit. Project Status: Proposed A planning application submitted in August 2016 proposes to demolish the existing building and develop a 7-storey office building with ground floor retail unit. This application was approved in June 2017.
CPS Property placed the building on the market in May 2018 with a sale price of £250,000 advertised.
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Bradbury Place Use: Student Accommodation 30-44 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 156
Planning Rojem Properties Belfast Ltd and Rapport Architects Status: submitted a revised planning application in December 2017 Pending Decision proposing to develop a 6 – 8 storey purpose-built managed student accommodation building comprising 112no. en- Project Status: suite cluster bedrooms and 73no. studios over a ground Proposed floor reception, retail unit, car parking and cycle storage. The application was amended in December 2018 to reduce the height of the building to 5 storeys at Bradbury Place and 6 storeys at Albion Lane. The revised scheme proposes 100no. en-suite cluster bedrooms and 56no. studios (156 total) over ground floor retail.
Bruce Street Use: Office 17-21 A four storey red brick former warehouse building designed by James Hanna. The site was previously occupied by Planning residential properties built during the 1870s and Status: demolished c.1906. Approved Andras House and Philip Rodgers Design submitted a Project Status: planning application in August 2018 proposing to change Proposed the use of the vacant building from retail to office use. The application was approved in December 2018. Start Date: 2020 Andras House and Philip Rodgers Design submitted a planning application in October 2019 proposing to re- Completion: instate windows to rear and side elevations and add two 2020 metal canopies to entrance doors.
Brunswick Use: Residential Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail 5-7 Units: 96
The Brunswick The Brunswick is a proposed 12 storey residential building comprising 96no. apartments over a ground floor retail unit. Designed by RPP Architects for Killultagh Estates. Planning The site was previously occupied by Brunswick House; an Status: eight-storey building acquired by Killultagh Properties in Pre-Application March 1998 from the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Project Status: Proposed Killultagh Estates and RPP Architects submitted a planning application in June 2015 proposing to demolish the existing Start Date: building and develop a 9-storey office building with ground 2018 floor retail unit. The application was approved in August 2017. Completion: 2020 The adjacent building, Frances House, was acquired by Killultagh Estates in August 2017.
Demolition of Brunswick House commenced during 2017.
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Castle Place Use: Retail
Bank Buildings The listed building consent application was approved on 26th October 2018.
Planning Pre-application public information events for ‘conservation Status: led redevelopment and restoration of Bank Buildings’ took Pending Decision place during June 2019. More information at www.thebankbuildings.co.uk. Project Status: Proposed Primark submitted a planning application in August 2019 proposing ‘conservation led redevelopment and restoration Start Date: of Bank Buildings’. 2019
Completion: 2022
Castle Place Use: Retail Concept 23-29 Calvert House was acquired by Glenbeigh Ltd in February Calvert House 2008. DV8 fashion occupied the ground floor unit until temporary closure between September – December 2019 as a result of the Bank Buildings fire and safety cordon. Planning The DV8 store closed permanently in September 2019. Status: Approved Glenbeigh Ltd submitted a planning application in September 2018 proposing to redevelop the existing Project Status: building for retail use and install a new shop front Construction elevation. The application was approved in March 2019.
Start Date: Glenbeigh Ltd submitted a planning application in April Sep 2019 2019 proposing amendments to the March 2019 approval.
Completion: MSM Construction and Harte Demolition commenced works Early 2020 during late September 2019.
Castle Street Use: Office 83-87 Additional Uses: Retail
A partially cleared vacant site at 83-87 Castle Street and 7 Planning Marquis Street. Status: Approved The Fenton Partnership and McCutcheon & Wilkinson Architects submitted a planning application in February Project Status: 2009 proposing to develop a four storey building Proposed comprising ground floor retail unit and 3no. office units above. The application was withdrawn in January 2010 and a revised planning application was submitted in May 2010 proposing to develop a six storey building comprising ground floor retail and 5no. office units above. The application was approved in November 2015.
The site was vested by the Department for Communities and in August 2019 a development brief was issued by the
Department inviting proposals for the redevelopment of the site.
Chichester Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail 21-27 Chichester House is a proposed 8-storey building Chichester comprising 46,000ft2 of office accommodation over House 5,000ft2 of retail accommodation at ground floor. A marketing website for the project is available at www.chichesterhouse.com. Planning Status: Strip-out of the building’s interior commenced in June 2017 Approved and MSM Contracts commenced construction works in February 2018. The last remaining ground floor tenant Project Status: Page 5 of 33
Construction (Boojum) will remain at Chichester House within an extended commercial unit. Start Date: Feb 2018 Kilmona Property Ltd submitted a planning application in August 2019 proposing to reconfigure part of the ground Completion: floor of the building and change the use from retail to Late 2019 office.
Chichester Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Cafe, Restaurant 43-63 The Paper Exchange is a proposed 11 storey mixed-use The Paper building on a site situated between Chichester Street and Exchange Gloucester Street. The scheme comprises approximately 200,000ft2 of grade ‘A’ office space over ground floor cafe/restaurant and basement car parking. Planning Status: Wirefox and TSA Planning submitted a planning application Approved in October 2017. The application was approved in July 2018. Project Status: Proposed Eastwood Demolition completed a soft strip out of the existing buildings during March – April 2018. Demolition of the buildings took place between February – July 2019.
Wirefox submitted a planning application in April 2019 proposing to amend the previous approval. The main changes include a reduction in the size of the basement, car parking relocated from basement to ground floor and rationalisation of floor plates. The application was approved in November 2019.
Wirefox submitted a non material change application in November 2019 proposing to remove the basement level, relocate services to ground floor level and new mezzanine level and reconfigure the car park and cycle storage. Chichester Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail 69-87 Centre House (previously RAC House) is a 5 – 8 storey Centre House office building at the corner of Chichester Street (nos. 69 – 87) and Victoria Street (nos. 149 – 159) comprising ground floor retail units (c12,600 ft2) and office accommodation Planning above (c62,300 ft2). Status: Pending Decision Kilmona Property submitted a planning application in March 2019 proposing to alter the building’s elevations and extend Project Status: the fifth and eighth floors. Proposed
Clarendon Use: Office Concept Road City Quays 3 is a proposed 16-storey, 250,000ft2 office City Quays 3 building.
Belfast Harbour appointed RPP Architects in 2016 to design Planning the building and a planning application was submitted to Status: the Department for Infrastructure in May 2017. Approved A construction tender for the £46m project was issued in Project Status: February 2017. Construction The Department for Infrastructure issued a notice of Start Date: opinion to approve the City Quays 3 planning application in June 2019 January 2019.
Completion: Farrans Construction commenced site enabling works in the 2021 last week of May 2019.
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College Square Use: Office Concept East 17-25 The Kelvin is a 37,000ft2 five storey office building at College Square East and Wellington Street. The Kelvin J&E Properties Ltd submitted a planning application in November 2018 proposing to refurbish the building and Planning replace the facades at College Square East and Wellington Status: Street. The application was approved in July 2019. Approved McCormack Demolition completed the internal soft strip of Project Status: the building during summer 2019. Construction J&E Properties Ltd submitted a planning application in Start Date: September 2019 proposing a five storey extension over the 2019 car park to the rear of the building.
Completion: The redeveloped building will be known as The Kelvin and 2020 will comprise up to 37,000ft2 of office accommodation when completed in 2020.
MSM Contracts commenced construction work in October 2019.
B. Small Contracts Ltd commenced demolition works during October 2019. College Square Use: Residential Concept North Units: 23 5-6 A four storey grade B1 listed building that forms part of a terrace of Georgian properties at College Square North Planning designed by Thomas Jackson during the 1820s – 1830s. Status: Pending Decision Wilton Group Ltd submitted a planning application in August 2018 proposing to refurbish the existing building for Project Status: 8no. apartments and develop a seven storey extension to Proposed the rear to comprise 19no. apartments.
Start Date: The application was amended and now proposes to 2019 refurbish the existing building for 8no. apartments and develop a five storey extension to the rear to comprise Completion: 15no. apartments. 2020
College Square Use: Social housing Concept North Units: 48 13-20 Proposed for residential use, currently the surface car park at the corner of College Sq East and Hamill street. Sold in Planning late 2015/early 2016. A planning application by Silver City Status: ltd in September 2016 proposed to develop a seven storey Pending Decision residential building comprising of 46 apartments with basement car parking. Project Status: Proposed OKT placed the site on the market in November 2016 with offers invited in the region of £1.25m.
A new planning application submitted in June 2018 proposes a seven storey residential development with 49 social housing units in a mix of one and two bedrooms. This was subsequently reduced to 48no. units.
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Cornmarket Use: Retail Concept 18-24 Additional Uses: Office
A four storey building built 1960. The building sold during Planning December 2018. Status: Pending Decision Castle Square Ltd and Rapport Architects submitted a planning application in August 2019 proposing to redevelop Project Status: the existing building to provide ground and first floor retail Proposed accommodation (c.3,000ft2) and second and third floor office accommodation (c.3,500ft2). Start Date: 2020
Completion: 2020
Corporation Use: Residential Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail 21-29 Units: 347
A partially cleared site with frontage at 21 – 29 Corporation Planning Street and 18 – 24 Tomb Street. Status: Approved McAleer & Rushe propose to develop a nine – nineteen storey building comprising c.347 build-to-rent apartments Project Status: over ground floor retail and a semi-basement car park (c.84 Proposed spaces).
Start Date: A public exhibition of the proposal will take place on 2019 Wednesday 21st November, 1pm – 7pm at The Ramada Encore, Saint Anne’s Square. Further information can be Completion: obtained from Todd Architects. 2021
Corporation Use: Residential Concept Street Units: 183 54 A cleared development site bound by Corporation Street and the M3 onslip. Lavery Diamond Partnership and Planning Gregory Architects submitted a planning application in June Status: 2007 proposing to develop a 15 storey residential building Approved comprising 183 apartments and basement parking. The application was approved in January 2009. Project Status: Proposed The 1.1 acre site was placed on the market by CBRE in January 2015 inviting offers over £1m.
The site was acquired by D. R. Mitchell Ltd and a new fence was erected around the site in May 2017.
Corporation Use: Residential Concept Street Units: 39 101 TLC Enterprises submitted a revised planning application in February 2014 which reduced the height of the building to Planning 12 storeys and the number of apartments to 39no. The Status: proposal also comprises a ground floor commercial unit Approved (90m2), car-parking (30no. spaces) and bicycle parking (15no. stands). This revised application was approved in Project Status: November 2014. Proposed The development site was acquired by Clarendon Dock Ltd Start Date: in January 2018. Jan 2020 Three discharge of planning condition applications were Completion: submitted by Juno Planning on behalf of Lioscarran 2021 Holdings in September 2019. The applications include details of the proposed archaeological programme of works, remediation strategy and a piling risk assessment. Harte Demolition carried out enabling works during October 2019.
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Mascott Construction have been appointed main contractor for the scheme and will commence works in the coming weeks.
Donegall Place Use: Residential 11-15 Units: 37
Donegall The 2 Ground floor units of this site had been occupied by Chambers KFC (still an occupant) and poundworld until its closure in July 2018. Kirk Bryson Northern Ltd and Coogan & Co.
Planning Kirk Bryson Northern Ltd and Coogan & Co. Architects Status: submitted a planning application in March 2018 proposing Approved to extend and convert the vacant upper floors to provide 37no. residential units, and associated external terraces Project Status: and balconies, accessed via Fountain Lane. The application Proposed was approved in August 2019.
Donegall Place Use: Office Concept: 35-47 Additional Uses: Retail
Bywater Properties Investment Management LLP and GM Planning Design Associates submitted a planning application in Status: August 2016 proposing to extend and refurbish the existing Approved building. The £15m scheme comprises 37,000ft2 of retail space at ground and first floor and 65,000ft2 of office Project Status: accommodation on the upper four floors. The scheme also Proposed comprises new facades, shop fronts and lobby areas. The application was approved in January 2017. Start Date: 2019 Boots signed a 10 year lease during summer 2019 to remain at the ground and first floor of the building. Completion: Bywater Properties, Ashmour and LRE Capital will now 2020 progress refurbishment of 50,000ft2 of office accommodation on the upper floors.
Donegall Quay Use: Residential Concept City Quays 4 Units: 250
City Quays 4 is a proposed build-to-rent residential building Planning located between the M3 motorway bridge and AC Hotel by Status: Marriott. The £50m development will comprise c.250 Pre-Application apartments and a planning application is expected by the end of 2019. Project Status: Proposed
Start Date: 2020
Completion: 2022
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Donegall Use: Office Square East Additional Uses: Retail 1-3 The Ocean Buildings (now known as Pearl Assurance Pearl House) was designed by Young & Mackenzie Architects in Assurance the gothic-style for Ocean Accident & Guarantee House Corporation Ltd. The building was built in red sandstone by Robert Corry at a cost of £30,000 between 1899 – 1902.
Planning MJM Pearl Ltd acquired the building in October 2015. Status: Approved MJM Group and RMI Architects submitted a planning application in March 2019 proposing to refurbish the Project Status: building for office use at 1st – 4th floor, cafe use at ground Proposed floor, restaurant use in the basement and 1no. apartment at 5th floor. The application was approved in November 2019.
Donegall Use: Office Concept Square East Additional Uses: Restaurant 18-20 A three-storey terrace, with basements, built c1830 for Clarence residential use and converted to commercial premises later Chambers in the 19th century.
MJM Pearl Ltd acquired the building and subsequently Planning submitted a planning application in August 2018 proposing Status: to extend and refurbish 18-19 Donegall Square East, Pending Decision demolish rear returns and insert a new seven storey office building. The application was approved in April 2019. Project Status: Proposed A design team comprising LAM Architects, Bruce Shaw, Albert Fry Associates and IN2 Engineering are preparing to Start Date: commence construction during late 2019. 2019
Completion: 2021
Donegall Use: Office Concept Square South Additional Uses: Restaurant 5 The Mercantile is a proposed nine storey office building The Mercantile comprising ground floor restaurant / leisure space (c.8,000ft2) and eight floors of office accommodation above (c.62,000ft2). Planning Status: Killultagh Estates and Todd Architects submitted a planning Approved application in January 2017 proposing to demolish the existing building and develop a 10-storey office building Project Status: with two basement parking levels and retail use at ground Proposed floor. The proposal was later amended to 9-storeys and recommended approval by Belfast Planning Committee in Start Date: August 2017. The application was approved in April 2019. 2019 B. Small Contracts Ltd commenced demolition of the Completion: building during early 2019. Construction is expected to 2021 commence during autumn 2019.
Donegall Sq Use: Hotel Concept South Units: 63 15-16 Liverpool-based developer Signature Living acquired the The George former Scottish Mutual building for £6m during 2017. Best Hotel Signature Living propose to invest £15m refurbishing the building for hotel use. The 83 bedroom hotel will be branded ‘The George Best Hotel’ and is expected to open Planning during summer 2018. Status: Approved Signature Living submitted an application in Dec 2017 proposing amendments to the previously approved internal Project Status: layout of the hotel conversion. The proposal comprises 63 Proposed Page 10 of 33
bedrooms on the first to fourth floors, ground floor Start Date: bar/restaurant and a fifth floor function space. 2017
Completion: 2019
Donegall Street Use: Hotel 11-17 Units: 25
A five-storey warehouse building built by Eason & Son Ltd Planning in 1957. The building replaced a four-storey brick Status: warehouse dating from c1895. Approved Elmoreton Ltd submitted a planning application in Project Status: December 2016 proposing to redevelop the building to Proposed comprise a ground floor bar/ restaurant and 25no. hotel bedrooms on the upper floors. The application was approved in January 2018.
Contractors commenced work to the rear of the property on 21st September 2019.
Donegall Street Use: Student Accommodation Concept 140 Units: 620
140 Donegall Street is currently a surface car park. Planning Northside Regeneration Ltd and RPP Architects submitted a Status: planning application in June 2016 proposing a managed Approved student accommodation building comprising 620no. units with 54no. lower ground floor parking spaces. The Project Status: application was refused permission in October 2016. Proposed Northside Regeneration Ltd / Balfour Beatty Investments submitted a planning appeal in January 2017 and in November 2017 the Planning Appeals Commission issued a decision to allow and granted full planning permission. The surface car park operated by HandyPark closed during June 2018 and the site has remained vacant since. Archaeology excavations took place on the site during
October 2019.
Dublin Road Use: Office Concept 14
The site is currently occupied by a four-storey cinema One Bankmore building comprising 10no. screens, two commercial units at Square ground floor and a 500 space multi-storey car park. The
£12m scheme was designed by Consarc Design Group and
developed by the Sheridan Group between 1992 – 1993. Planning Status: Pre-Application Kainos Group plc announced in February 2019 that it has agreed to acquire the site from Movie House Cinemas Ltd Project Status: for the development of Kainos’ future Belfast headquarters. Proposed The purchase price is £7.05m, with a 10% deposit paid on exchange and the balance due upon completion (expected June 2019). Kainos are expected to submit a revised planning application during 2019 for a 120,000ft2 office building.
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Dublin Road Use: Residential Concept 52-54 Additional Uses: Café Units: 76
Planning Three storey building built c.1830 as part of a larger Status: terrace of residential properties later converted to Pre-Application commercial use.
Project Status: Occupied by Oxfam Home since at least 2008. Proposed Salisbury Street Capital Ltd propose to submit a planning application for redevelopment of the site to provide a serviced apartment building.
Dublin Road Use: Residential Concept 57-63 Additional Uses: Restaurant Units: 71
Planning Currently a two-storey terrace dating from the 1840s. Built Status: as part of a larger terrace of residential properties between Pending Decision Ventry Lane and Ventry Street; known as Victoria Terrace. John Smyth’s Estates Ltd and O’Toole and Starkey Planning Project Status: Consultants submitted a planning application in April 2019 Proposed proposing to develop a 10-storey residential building comprising 71no. apartments over a ground floor restaurant.
John Smyth’s Estates Ltd and O’Toole and Starkey Planning Consultants submitted a proposal of application notice in November 2019 proposing to develop a 10-storey building comprising a cafe at ground floor and 77no. serviced apartments for both short and long term occupancy at first to ninth floor.
East Bridge Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail Land at 45 Kilmona Holdings acquired the site and Kilmona Property Lanyon Central Ltd and Coogan & Co. Architects Ltd submitted a proposal of application notice in October 2015. A planning application was later submitted in March 2016 proposing a Planning 230,000ft2 office led development. The scheme was Status: amended in July 2016 to propose four office buildings: Pending Decision Block A: 10 storeys, Block B: 14 storeys and Blocks C & D: 3 storeys. The scheme also proposes 4no. retail units, car Project Status: parking and a landscaped plaza. Proposed A decision on the planning application was deferred by Belfast’s Planning Committee in August 2016 to allow committee members to complete a site visit. The application was then recommended approval by Planning Committee in September 2016, subject to completion of an s.76 agreement. A decision notice to approve the application was issued in June 2017.
A High Court judge formally quashed the decision to approve the planning application in May 2018.
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Fountain Street Use: Office Concept 1-7 Additional Uses: Hotel, Retail Units: 174 Norwich Union House Norwich Union House is a six storey 1960s building comprising 8no. ground floor commercial units and office accommodation above. McAleer & Rushe propose to Planning redevelop the site for office, hotel and retail use. Status: Pending Decision ES NUH Ltd submitted a planning application in September 2019 proposing to demolish the existing 1960s Norwich Project Status: Union House building and develop a 7-storey building at Proposed Fountain Street / Castle Street comprising ground floor retail units and c.243,000ft2 (gross) of office accommodation above, an 8-storey building at Queen Street comprising 174no. hotel bedrooms and a double deck car park within the centre of the site comprising 62no. spaces.
Fountain Street Use: Residential Concept 21 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 6
Planning Hanna & Browne home furnishings traded from the building Status: from the late 1990s until entering administration and Pending Decision closing in September 2013.
Project Status: The Spinning Wheel curtain and fabric store (established Proposed 1975) traded from Donegall Square West until relocating to 21 Fountain Street in 2016. The store closed in November 2018.
Kirk Bryson & Co. Ltd submitted a planning application in February 2019 proposing to retain the ground floor retail unit, convert the upper floors to 60no. apartments and alter the building’s elevations.
Kirk Bryson & Co Ltd submitted a planning application in July 2019 proposing to refurbish the ground floor retail unit, convert the upper floors to office accommodation and alter the building’s facade.
Frederick Use: Other Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail
University of A multi-storey car park associated with the nearby Ulster Ulster University campus comprising 350 spaces, 196 bicycle stands and a ground floor retail unit. The building’s main frontage to Frederick Street will be clad in different sizes Planning and colours of aluminium fins. Status: Approved Ulster University and Juno Planning submitted a planning application in September 2012. DoE Planning issued a Project Status: decision to refuse the application in August 2013. Ulster Construction University appealed the refusal in the same month and the Planning Appeals Commission held a public hearing in Start Date: December 2013. Ulster University presented a revised February 2019 proposal and a decision to allow was issued by the Planning Appeals Commission in February 2014. Completion: February 2020 A legal challenge sought to judicially review the Planning Appeal Commission’s decision although this was dismissed by the High Court in June 2014.
O’Hare & McGovern commenced construction on site during February 2019. Completion is scheduled for February 2020.
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Great Victoria Use: Other Concept Street The proposed Belfast Transport Hub involves the Belfast redevelopment of the Europa Bus Centre, Great Victoria Transport Hub Street Railway Station and surrounding NI Transport Holding Company (NITHC) land (c20 acres) at Grosvenor Road. The NITHC is proposing to develop an integrated Planning transport interchange comprising; station concourse, 26 Status: bus stands, 8 railway platforms, bus maintenance and Approved parking, car parking and a new public square. The remaining land is proposed as a phased commercial Project Status: development known as Weavers Cross. Proposed The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company Start Date: submitted the Transport Hub planning application in June 2019 2017. The application proposes a “new integrated transport interchange comprising; station concourse, 26 bus stands, Completion: 8 railway platforms, bus maintenance and parking, track 2023 and signalling enhancements, bus access bridge, cycle and taxi provision, car parking, new public square, public realm improvements, highway improvements, infrastructure improvements, temporary structures for bus operations during construction and temporary site construction compounds”. The application was approved in March 2019. Enabling works to prepare for construction of the Transport Hub building are expected to commence during 2019.
Further information on the Belfast Transport Hub and wider Weavers Cross development can be found at the official website: www.weaverscross.co.uk.
Great Victoria Use: Office Concept Street 32-36 SM Great Victoria Street Ltd submitted a planning application in January 2019 proposing to refurbish and extend the existing building. The application was approved Planning in November 2019. Status: Approved The redevelopment will create a 90,000ft2 building comprising 68,900ft2 (GIA) of office floor space (an Project Status: additional c.4,100ft2 of office floor space). Proposed
Start Date: 2020
Completion: 2020
Great Victoria Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Church 66 Demolition of the 1866 church building commenced on 28th July 2014 and was completed by the end of Planning September 2014. Status: Approved A planning application submitted in November 2015 sought permission for a temporary surface level private car park on Project Status: the site of the demolished church for a period of up to 2 Proposed years. The application description was amended and permission was granted in October 2016 for a “temporary surface level private car park (non fee paying) for use of church for a period of up to 1 year”.
Great Victoria Street Baptist Church submitted a planning application in June 2018 proposing to retain the existing temporary surface car park for a period of five years. The application was approved for a period of two years in April 2019.
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Great Victoria Use: Hotel Concept Street Units: 173 110 The building was purchased along with the adjoining site by Jermon Develoments in 1999. RMI Architects were Planning appointed in 2007 to prepare a mixed use development Status: scheme situated on land between Great Victoria Street and Approved Dublin Road, including Fanum House.
Project Status: Anglo Irish Bank appointed Keenan Corporate Finance to Proposed place Jermon Developments portfolio of land into receivership in June 2010, including the South Bank Square site. The South Bank Square site was placed on the market by Osborne King in 2011 and in late 2011 Mr Seamus Gillan (BSG Civil Engineering Ltd) purchased the site for between £4m – £5m. Mr Gillan established a company called South Bank Square Ltd and submitted planning applications with RMI Architects for 2no. hotels on the site. Mr Gillan confirmed in February 2012 that an agreement and lease was in place between French company Accor to operate a 2-star ETAP hotel and a 4-star Novotel hotel.
The planning application for the proposed Novotel Hotel, submitted in October 2011, was approved in September 2012. The application permitted the demolition of Fanum House and construction of a 14-storey, 173 room hotel building.
Great Victoria Use: Residential Concept Street Additional Uses: Restaurant 122-124 Units: 11
Construction work to refurbish and convert the building to Planning residential use commenced in July 2016, however a fire Status: within the building on 11th September 2016 caused Pending Decision substantial damage and work ceased.
Project Status: BGA Architects submitted a planning application in October Proposed 2017 proposing to develop a 7 storey building comprising 2no. ground floor restaurant units and 19no. apartments Start Date: above. 2019 The application was amended in October 2018 and now Completion proposes to develop a 5 storey building comprising 2no. Date: ground floor restaurant units and 13no. apartments above. 2020 The application was amended in February 2019 and now proposes to develop a 4 storey building comprising 2no. ground floor restaurant units and 11no. apartments above.
High Street Use: Residential 23-25 Additional Uses: Restaurant Units: 5
Planning A four-storey building built in the 1950s. Status: Pending Decision A planning application submitted in May 2016 by Mr & Mrs Bright and Dimensions Chartered Architects proposes Project Status: change of use and alterations to first, second and third Proposed floor offices to form 5no. apartments as short term holiday lets. Start Date: 2017
Completion: 2018
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Hill Street Use: Hotel Concept 10-16 A three storey office building developed by Turnus Ltd between 1990 – 1992. Planning Status: The NI Housing Executive occupied the building until Pending Decision relocating in March 2018.
Project Status: Ducales Trading No.4 Ltd submitted a planning application Proposed in February 2019 proposing to extend and convert the building for hotel use. The proposal comprises a ground Start Date: floor bar / restaurant and 17no. bedrooms above. 2019
Completion: 2020
Hill Street Use: Residential Concept 51-53 A surface car park at the corner of Hill Street and Talbot Street. Planning Status: Spencer Properties Ltd, part of the Conway Group, was Pre-Application granted permission in September 2002 to demolish a warehouse building on the site and provide a surface level Project Status: car park. The site has been used as a car park since 2003. Proposed Conway Group and Todd Architects had developed proposals for a five storey office building on the site although no planning application was submitted. Conway Group submitted a proposal of application notice in June 2019 for an outline residential development on the site.
Holmes Street Use: Residential Concept 1-3 Units: 20
Owned by the Conway Group since at least 1998. A series Planning of outline planning permissions date from 1998 and Status: propose a six storey residential building comprising 20no. Pre-Application apartments and car parking.
Project Status: The previous buildings on the site were demolished c2002 Proposed and the site has been used as a surface car park since.
Conway Estates are proposing an outline residential development on the site. A pre-application public event took place on Wednesday 11th September 2019.
King street Use: Residential Concept 57 Units: 10
A vacant site at King street between two 10 storey Planning buildings (College central and IBIS hotel). Status: Pending Decision Amstel Developments Ltd submitted a planning application in July 2018 proposing to develop an 11-storey apartment Project Status: building comprising 10no. apartments. The proposed Proposed Page 16 of 33
building was reduced to 9-storeys and the application was approved in February 2019.
Amstel Developments Ltd submitted a planning application in April 2019 proposing an additional two storeys to the previous approval to provide 1no. additional duplex apartment within an 11-storey apartment building. The application was refused in September 2019.
Amstel Developments Ltd submitted an appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission in September 2019.
Laganbank Use: Office Concept Road 8 Finbrook Investments Ltd submitted a planning application in May 2018 proposing to extend and alter the 5th and 6th Waterfront floors and provide 2no. additional storeys. The application Plaza was approved in November 2018.
Lambert Smith Hampton commenced marketing of the Planning building for potential tenants during autumn 2019. Status: Marketing material notes that the building comprises Approved c.136,000ft2 of office accommodation with planning consent to extend the building up to c.178,000ft2 (floor Project Status: plates of c.21,000ft2). Proposed
Laganbank Use: Residential Concept Road Additional Uses: Retail Units: 154 River Walk The site is presently occupied by a three storey building designed by Alan Cook Architects for Belfast Waterfront Planning Properties. Following planning approval the building was Status: built between 1998 – 1999. Pending Decision Benmore Group acquired the site in 2017 and now propose Project Status: to develop a £25m apartment building to be known as Proposed River Walk.
Benmore Property Management Services submitted a planning application in February 2019 proposing to develop a 15-storey residential development comprising 154no. apartments and ground floor retail unit.
Library Street Use: Student Accommodation Concept 18-26 Units: 393
Slaney Developments Ltd & Car Park Services Ltd Planning submitted a planning application in June 2017 proposing an Status: eight storey residential building comprising 93no. Approved apartments over basement car parking. Planning permission was granted by the Planning Appeals Project Status: Commission in January 2019. Construction CBRE placed the site on the market in November 2018 with Start Date: offers invited in excess of £2.5m. October 2019 Eastwood Demolition cleared the site during August 2019. Completion: Dawson WAM commenced piling works during October 2021 2019.
Farrans commenced site enabling works during October 2019. A site compound has been established within a neighbouring vacant site at Stephen Street. Works will comprise a student accommodation building with 365 en- Page 17 of 33
suite bedrooms (with shared living rooms and kitchens), 28 self-contained studios and a basement containing 21 car parking spaces, 111 bicycle spaces, 7 motorbike spaces, gym, games room, TV room and laundry. The building will be concrete framed with a brick facade to the 10th floor and standing seam metal to the 11th and 12th floors.
Linenhall Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Residential 21 A five storey red brick linen warehouse designed by Nicholas Fitzsimons and built c.1900-1902. Planning Status: Keystone Properties Belfast Ltd submitted a planning Pending Decision application in April 2019 proposing to remove the existing roof and replace with a new single storey flat roof Project Status: extension to provide one residential unit above refurbished Proposed office accommodation on the ground and four upper floors.
Start Date: 2019
Completion: 2020
Linenhall St Use: Office Concept 28 Killultagh Estates Ltd and RPP Architects submitted a planning application (LA04/2015/0674/F) in June 2015 Planning proposing to demolish the existing buildings and develop a Status: 9-storey office building. The scheme was amended in Approved August 2017, April 2018, August 2018 and November 2018. The current proposal is a 7-storey office building. Project Status: Belfast’s Planning Committee recommended approval of the Proposed scheme in December 2018, subject to conditions.
Linenhall Use: Office Concept Street 27-37 A proposed seven storey office building at the corner of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street.
Planning The site is currently part-occupied by a terrace of three and Status: four storey buildings reportedly built c.1865. Pending Decision The 0.2 acre site was placed on the market in 2017 by joint agents Lambert Smith Hampton and Savills seeking offers Project Status: in excess of £2m. A sale was agreed in 2018. Proposed Option 2 Development Ltd (Domus UK Ltd) submitted a proposal of application notice in December 2019 proposing to demolish existing buildings at 27-37 Linenhall Street and 8-10 Clarence Street and demolish / alter the rear of 34-44 Bedford Street / 4-6 Clarence Street and develop an office building with ground floor retail and cafe uses. The extended £30m proposal is due to be submitted as a planning application in early 2020.
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Little Patrick Use: Student Accomodation Concept Street Units: 94 8-12 A proposed 12-storey extension to 123 York Street to provide 94no. student accommodation bedrooms. Planning The site is located at the corner of Little York Street and Status: Little Patrick Street. Pending Decision The site was acquired in 2018 to enable an extension to Project Status: the purpose built managed student accommodation Proposed development at 123 York Street.
Cathedral Living submitted a planning application in September 2019 proposing a 12-storey extension to 123 York Street comprising 94no. student accommodation rooms with communal living rooms / kitchens and associated office space.
Little Patrick St Use: Student Accommodation Concept 26-44 Units: 430 units
Cathedral View is an 11-storey purpose built managed Planning student accommodation building comprising 430no. beds in Status: a mix of cluster and studio bedrooms. Approved Lacuna Developments and Watkin Jones Group acquired the site in June 2017 and submitted a planning application Project Status: in October 2017. The application was approved in March Construction 2018. Graham Construction commenced site enabling works in Start Date: May 2018 and Quinn Piling commenced piling works during June 2018 June 2018. The site tower crane was erected in August 2018 to begin work on the building’s cores. Completion: The £30m development was forward-sold to an institutional May 2020 investor in 2017. Student Roost will operate the building when completed in May 2020. RSRE submitted a proposal of application notice application in October 2019 proposing temporary change of use of floors 5-11 from student accommodation to apart-hotel use.
Little Victoria Use: Student Accommodation Concept Street Units: 274 5-7 A proposed 15 storey purpose built managed student accommodation building comprising 274no. rooms over a Planning ground floor 7,000ft2 commercial unit. Status: Approved ES Little Victoria Street Ltd submitted a planning application in October 2018 proposing to develop a 15 Project Status: storey purpose built managed student accommodation Proposed building over a ground floor commercial unit.
Start Date: McCormack Demolition demolished the 1989 commercial 2020 building during March 2019.
Completion The planning application was recommended approval at the Date: September 2019 meeting of Belfast’s Planning Committee. 2022
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Lombard Street Use: Office 13-17 Additional Uses: Retail
The Lombard A four storey building designed by Thomas Jackson & Son for Mr Patrick McGinness. The building was built 1875- 1878, shortly after the adjoining building (5-11 Lombard Planning Street) which was designed by the same architect. Both Status: buildings were the first to be developed on the newly Pre-Application formed Lombard Street which replaced two former entries; Leggs Lane and Caddells Entry. Project Status: Proposed Angus Properties acquired the building during early 2019 and propose to refurbish the upper floors to create new Start Date: office accommodation. 2019 Osborne King are now marketing the upper floor office Completion: space as ‘The Lombard’. The marketing brochure notes that 2020 the refurbished space will be available from early 2020.
Lower Garfield Use: Residential Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail, Cafe 2-14 Units: 24
Garfield & Castlebrooke Investments propose to refurbish the building North to provide 2no. cafe/restaurant units and 3no. retail units. A new 5-6 storey extension to the rear will comprise 6no. retail units fronting onto a new street connecting Royal Planning Avenue and North Street and 24no. apartments will occupy Status: the the upper floors of the refurbished building and new- Approved build extension.
Project Status: Archaeological excavations took place on the site of the Proposed proposed extension during August and September 2017.
Start Date: FK Lowry Piling undertook piling works to the rear during 2019 October and November 2017.
Completion: PG Ltd submitted a listed building application in September 2020 2018 proposing amendments to the previously approved elevations and internal arrangements. The application was approved in January 2019.
Castlebrooke Investments announced the name of the development in October 2018. ‘Garfield & North’ will comprise 24no. apartments over ground floor retail and cafe units.
May Street Use: Residential Concept 66-68 Additional Uses: Retail, Café Units: 101
Planning Vinder Capital acquired the site during early 2019 and Status: propose to develop a £16m residential building comprising Pre-Application 101 apartments and two ground floor retail / cafe units.
Project Status: Proposed
Start Date: 2020
Completion: 2022
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Montgomery Use: Residential Street Units: 36 36 The site is currently occupied by 3 storey red-brick building with two ground floor commercial units with offices and Planning storage on the upper floors. Village homes acquired the site Status: in 2010, and subsequently submitted a planning application Approved proposing to develop a 16 storey building with 48 apartments. Project Status: Construction The application was amended several times to show a final room total of 36 bedroom apartments. Start Date: Sep 2017 Harte demolition and Mascott Construction commenced works on the site during September 2017, FK Lowry Completion: commenced piling works in November 2017. Sep 2019 The developer’s website indicates the building will be called FX Montgomery and interior design will be overseen by Day True London.
Nelson Street Use: Student Accommodation Concept 22-26 Units: 774
A development site bound by Nelson Street, Great Georges Planning Street and Little York Street. Status: Approved Olympian Homes and Ammora Ltd propose to develop the site to provide 774 purpose built managed student Project Status: accommodation rooms within an 11-storey building Proposed designed by Like Architects.
Start Date: 2017
Completion: Sep 2020
North Street Use: Office Concept 110-152 A largely vacant site in use as surface car parking. The site extends to approximately 1.2 acres and is bound by North Planning Street, Gresham Street and Winetavern Street. Status: Pending Decision Bywater and Ashmour submitted an outline planning application in October 2018 proposing mixed use buildings Project Status: (3-9 storeys) comprising basement car parking, ground Proposed floor commercial units and office accommodation above. The development also proposes a new pedestrian links between Gresham Street and Winetavern Street and refurbishment of the listed building at the corner of Gresham Street and North Street.
Bywater and Ashmour also submitted a full planning application (LA04/2018/2464/F) in October 2018 proposing the first phase of the development. The application proposes to alter, extend and change the use of the existing listed building to comprise ground floor cafe/restaurant and office accommodation above.
Bywater & Ashmour submitted a proposal of application notice in October 2019 proposing mixed use buildings (4-9 storeys) comprising ground floor commercial units and office accommodation above. A public information event will take place on Thursday 12th December, 2pm – 7.30pm at 29 Gresham Street.
Further details are available at www.buildingblocksbelfast.com.
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Olympic Way Use: Hotel Concept Titanic Quarter Units: 276
Hamilton Dock A proposed six storey 276 bed hotel designed by RMI Hotel Architects for JMK Group. The hotel is proposed to open during summer 2021, subject to planning.
Planning JMK Group submitted a planning application in July 2019 Status: proposing to develop a 276 bed hotel with conference Pending Decision facilities, restaurant /cafe / bar uses (including roof top bar), landscaped public realm and car parking. Project Status: Proposed
Start Date: 2019
Completion: 2021
Oxford Street Use: Restaurant/Café 16 A two storey building constructed c1950 for use as a pumping station. The building comprises basement Planning (742ft2), ground ((512ft2) and mezzanine (165ft2) levels. Status: The building was decommissioned in 2009 following Pending Decision completion of the Belfast Storm Water Tunnel.
Project Status: McKibben Commercial, acting for NI Water, placed the Proposed building on the market in August 2016 inviting offers over £100,000.
A planning application submitted in March 2019 proposes to change the use of the building and develop a two storey extension to create a restaurant / cafe.
Pilot Street Use: Residential Concept 54 Additional Uses: Restaurant, Retail Units: 190 Olympic Tower The site (0.19ha.) is currently occupied by two vacant two- storey public houses (Pat’s Bar & Rotterdam Bar). Pat’s Bar Planning at Princes Dock Street dates from at least 1852 and the Status: Rotterdam Bar at Pilot Street dates from the 19th century Pre-Application (rebuilt following fire damage c1863). The Rotterdam Bar closed in February 2005. Project Status: Proposed Documents from the receiver of Clementine Developments Ltd indicate that the site sold during late 2016.
Amigo Developments Ltd revealed plans for a 30-storey residential building comprising 190no. apartments over ground floor restaurant unit (95sqm) and retail unit (98m2) and basement parking. The proposal also includes a rooftop cafe/bar and public realm improvements to Barrow Square.
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Queen’s Quay Use: Leisure 2 Matagorda 2 (Isle Of Man) and Turley submitted planning The Odyssey applications in March and October 2017 proposing a substantial refurbishment of the Odyssey Pavilion main entrance and interior (including bowling alley and cinema) Planning and reconfiguration to provide 16no. bar/restaurant units, Status: health club, arena hospitality suite and climbing wall. Pending Decision Matagorda 2, working alongside The Odyssey Trust Company, commenced a £17m redevelopment of the Project Status: Odyssey Pavilion in October 2019. The work will be Proposed managed by Hollis consultants and is scheduled to complete by summer 2021. Start Date: Oct 2019 On completion of the redevelopment work the cinema will be operated by Cineworld and the bowling alley will be Completion: operated by Hollywood Bowl. Further leisure tenants are 2021 expected to be announced before completion of the works. Martin & Hamilton construction began site enabling works during October 2019.
Odyssey Property Company submitted a planning application in September 2019 proposing to convert a vacant nightclub unit (formerly Beach Club) into a digital learning centre.
Queen’s Quay Use: Mixed Use Concept Additional Uses: Residential, Hotel, Leisure
Planning The Queen’s Quay site is a 1.3 hectare area identified by Status: the Department for Communities Queen’s Quay Masterplan Pre-Application 2013. The site has been subject to previous proposals dating back to the Laganside Concept Plan 1987, the Project Status: Eastbank Strategy 2000 and the Laganside Corporate Plan Proposed 2004 – 2007 which identified the Queen’s Quay Comprehensive Development Scheme as a development Start Date: priority to secure the regeneration of the Quays. A 2017 development brief was issued in 2005 but was not progressed. Completion: 2025 The Department for Social Development (now Department for Communities) published a Masterplan for the area in August 2013.
Belfast City Council commissioned a strategy for the Oxford Street / East Bank Special Action Area (as defined in the City Centre Regeneration & Investment Strategy) in 2016. The strategy includes Queen’s Quay, the Sirocco site and the ‘Shatter Zone’ (collectively referred to as the East Bank).
Lambert Smith Hampton, on behalf of the Department for Communities, brought the site to market in December 2016 inviting expressions of interest for the use of the site, either in its entirety or in part.
Queen’s Square Use: Residential Concept 35-41 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 60
Planning The site is currently occupied by a vacant three storey red / Status: brown brick building. Approved Village Homes NI Ltd submitted a planning application in Project Status: April 2011. The application was approved in November Proposed 2013 following a number of elevational changes and a reduction in the number of residential units proposed. The proposal is a 16-storey residential building comprising 60no. apartments and 1no. commercial unit at ground and first floor.
Condition 3 (a piling risk assessment should be submitted prior to development commencing) was discharged during summer 2018.
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McCormack Demolition demolished the existing building and cleared the site between September 2018 – January 2019.
Lambert Smith Hampton placed the site on the market in February 2019.
Queen Street Use: Residential Concept 2–4 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 54 Westgate House Westgate House is located at 2-4 Queen Street and 50-54 Castle Street. It is a four storey building comprising 3no. ground floor retail units (c2,300ft2) and office Planning accommodation (c10,000ft2) on the upper floors. Status: Pending Decision Kirk Bryson & Co. Ltd submitted a planning application in August 2017 proposing to change the use of the former dry Project Status: cleaners at 4 Queen Street to hot food/restaurant use. The Proposed unit (630ft2) was occupied by a dry cleaners business for many years until a fire around May 2014 and has been vacant since.
Maintenance work to the building facade took place during September 2017.
Kirk Bryson & Co Ltd submitted a planning application in December 2018 proposing to demolish the existing building and develop 54no. apartments above ground floor retail. The application will be determined at the July 2019 meeting of Belfast’s Planning Committee.
Queen Street Use: Hotel Concept 21 Units: 78
Hotel Marquis A three storey sandstone building with attic fourth floor. Designed by Thomas Jackson & Son and built by Mr. W. McCammond between 1877 – 1878. The building was built Planning as a children’s hospital to replace a previous children’s Status: hospital at King Street. The hospital admitted the first Pre-Application patients on 24th April 1879.
Project Status: Sommerhill Residential Properties and RPP Architects Proposed submitted a planning application in July 2006 proposing to refurbish and extend the building to provide a36no. Start Date: bedroom apart-hotel with lounge / bar / restaurant and 2019 conference rooms. The application was approved in April 2007. Completion: 2020 Big Top Productions revealed proposals in December 2018 to refurbish and extend the building to provide a 78no. bedroom hotel with lounge / bar / restaurant and courtyard space.
Queen Street Use: Office 23-29 Additional Uses: Retail
Planning A three storey building designed by Williams Hastings in Status: 1871 for the Corporation Gas Office and later remodelled in Pending Decision the 1930s to serve as the Corporation Gas Showrooms.
Project Status: Craftworld (formerly a department within Leisureworld) Proposed currently occupies the ground floor.
The building was placed on the market in September 2018 with offers invited over £1.25m.
Leja Properties Ltd submitted a planning application in October 2019 proposing to refurbish and alter the building for office use.
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Queen Street Use: Office 31-39 A five storey red brick warehouse building built 1895 – 1896. The building was part occupied by R. Carswell & Son Planning Ltd, stationers and printers since 1896 and the remainder Status: of the building was leased to various businesses. R. Pre-Application Carswell & Son became Bell, Logan & Carswell Ltd during the 1950s and continued to occupy the building until at Project Status: least 1960. The company was acquired by Century Press Proposed and reportedly continued to occupy part of the building until the late 1980s.
The building was placed on the market during September 2018 with offers invited in excess of £3m. The adjoining property at 23-29 Queen Street (a three storey rendered terrace dating from the 1830s) is also offered for sale.
The building was acquired by Angus Properties during early 2019 and will be redeveloped to create new office accommodation.
Queen Street Use: Hotel Concept 32-38 Units: 175
Lyndon Court Lyndon Court, previously known as the Audio Times Building, is a three-storey, U-shaped building designed by Barrie Todd Associates and built 1986 – 1987. The building Planning comprises 6no. ground floor retail units and office Status: accommodation above (c16,000ft2). Approved Oakland Holdings submitted a planning application in Project Status: February 2019 proposing to demolish the existing Lyndon Proposed Court building and develop an aparthotel with bar, restaurant and conferencing facilities. The application was Start Date: revised and recommended approval at the September 2020 meeting of Belfast’s Planning Committee. CBRE Hotels have been appointed by Oakland Holdings to Completion: seek an operator for the 175 unit aparthotel under a lease 2021 agreement or hotel management agreement.
Completion of the building is scheduled for Q2 2021.
Rosemary Use: Retail Concept Street Additional Uses: Residential 37-39 Units: 6
The current building is the second ‘Central Hall’; the first Planning was a two storey building designed by William J. Fennell in Status: 1885. When the building opened in January 1886 it Pending comprised a 350 seat lecture hall, a schoolroom and Decision ground floor shops. The building was destroyed during the 1941 Blitz and the site remained undeveloped until the Project Status: current building was developed 1958-59. Proposed The building is proposed for alteration, extension and Start Date: refurbishment as part of Phase 1b of the former Royal 2019 Exchange outline masterplan. The proposal involves alterations to the existing ground floor retail units and Completion: double-height first floor meeting hall alongside a new 5 2020 storey rear extension and new rooftop extension comprising 6no. apartments.
An indicative phasing strategy for Phase 1b shows the full phase of works commencing during Q1 2018 and completing during Q2 2020.
Rosemary Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail 41 A proposed six storey office building comprising approximately 100,000ft2 of ‘grade A’ office Page 25 of 33
Planning accommodation across the upper floors. The ground floor Status: comprises the office entrance lobby and cafe/ restaurant Pending unit facing Church Place and retail units (c.8,000ft2) Decision fronting New Street (connecting Royal Avenue – North Street). The building is proposed to be connected to the Project Status: upper floors of 41-51 Royal Avenue. Proposed The building (referred to as Block 6) forms part of Phase 1b Start Date: of the former Royal Exchange outline masterplan. An 2018 indicative phasing strategy for Phase 1b shows the full phase of works commencing during Q1 2018 and Completion: completing during Q2 2020. Completion of the Church 2019 Place office building is scheduled for Q4 2019.
Royal Avenue Use: Residential 1-19 Units: 9
A 4-storey building with attic 5th floor (originally topped Planning with a number of small pediments), designed in Italianate Status: style by David Salmond in 1881. An original ornate Approved doorcase survives at no.13, however a similar doorcase at nos.1-5 was removed in 1977 when the building was Project Status: subject to refurbishment works. Proposed A Spar convenience store opened at the ground floor retail unit in 2011.
A planning application submitted in February 2018 by Cube (NI) Ltd and McCann Moore Architects proposes to convert the upper floors from office use to 9no. short term serviced apartments.
Royal Avenue Use: Residential Concept 76-88 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 6 Haymarket Arcade The Haymarket Arcade is a four-storey red-brick building built in two stages between c1885 and 1895 at 76-88 Royal Avenue. John Frazer (Properties) Ltd acquired the building Planning in March 1979 and refurbished between 1979 – 1981 to Status: provide ground floor floor retail units. The building was Pending Decision grade B1 listed in October 1989.
Project Status: Killultagh Estates submitted a planning application in July Proposed 2019 proposing to refurbish the Haymarket Courtyard including a new replacement commercial unit and development of a four storey building at the vacant Gresham Street ‘gap-site’ adjacent the Haymarket building comprising 2no. ground floor commercial units and 6no. apartments above.
Royal Avenue Use: Student Accommodation 91-101 Additional Uses: Retail, Cafe Sinclair House Units: 30
A planning application submitted by Cathedral Living Group Ltd and Robinson McIlwaine Architects in June 2015 Planning proposes alteration, extension (additional floor) and change Status: of use to upper floors of the building to provide student Approved apartments. A recommendation to approve the application was issued in May 2017. Project Status: Proposed
Start Date: 2017
Completion: 2018
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Royal Avenue Use: Retail 103-107 Additional Uses: Office
The building was B1 listed in June 1979 and extensively Planning refurbished in 1989 by Mairs & Wray architects. Status: Pending Decision Today nos.103-105 is let to The Money Shop (since 2007) and no.107 is occupied by The Belfast Tea & Coffee Co. Project Status: coffee shop (since 2011/12). The upper floors are vacant Proposed office accommodation.
Hylaw Investments Ltd owned the building since at least 1998. Deloitte (NI) Ltd was appointed receiver over the property in November 2016 and Lambert Smith Hampton brought the property to market in January 2017 with a guide price of £800,000. The property sold for £1.1m during summer 2017.
SMFD Ltd submitted a listed building consent application in June 2018 proposing alterations to the existing building to create open plan office space.
Royal Avenue Use: Student Accommodation Concept 118-122 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 21
Planning 118 – 122 Royal Avenue is currently occupied by a four- Status: storey building built c.1987 with ground floor retail and Approved storage / office space at upper floors.
Project Status: Mr R Mulholland (CS Suppliers (NI) Ltd) submitted a Proposed planning application in December 2014 to change the use of upper floors from retail, offices and storage to student accommodation.
Plans show the existing ground floor retail unit with 21 student rooms on the upper three floors, with shared kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Access to the student accommodation above is proposed via a rear access lobby. The application was refused by Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee on 19th January 2016.
The applicant submitted an appeal to the Planning Appeals Commission in April 2016. The Commission issued a decision to allow the appeal in August 2016.
Royal Avenue Use: Office Concept 124-136 Additional Uses: Cafe, Retail
The Sixth Limelight Belfast Ltd has occupied the former printing hall since late 2017 for licensed entertainment events.
Planning Bel Tel LLP propose a £75m redevelopment of the former Status: Belfast Telegraph building to be known as ‘The Sixth’ – Approved reference to the newspaper’s street vendors’ call of “Sixth Late Tele” for the evening edition. Project Status: Proposed The proposed scheme will comprise 230,000ft2 of commercial space with ground floor cafes, restaurants and retail.
BelTel LLP submitted a planning application in July 2018 proposing to demolish the non-listed buildings and redevelop the site to accommodate ground floor retail, restaurant, cafe uses, basement parking and office accommodation above. The proposals include retention and restoration of the listed ‘Seaver’ building, new roof and reintroduction of dormers. The application was approved in February 2019.
Further information on the Sixth can be accessed at www.thesixthbelfast.com.
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Scrabo Street Use: Residential Concept 16 Units: 151
The Residence The site at 16 Scrabo Street is currently used as a surface car park.
Planning A joint venture between Vinder Capital and Aldgate Status: Developments proposes to develop a £25m built to rent Pending Decision residential building. The proposed building is designed by Like Architects and will comprise 151 apartments. Project Status: Proposed PGD Construction Ltd submitted a planning application in October 2019 proposing to develop a residential building Start Date: comprising 151no. apartments (51 x 1-bed, 90 x 2-bed, 10 2020 x studio).
Completion: 2022
Streets Ahead Use: Public Realm Concept Phase 3 The third phase of Department for Communities (DfC) Belfast Streets Ahead Programme includes Royal Avenue, Planning York Street (part), Frederick Street, Great Patrick Street Status: (part), York Lane, Library Street (part), Little Donegall Approved Street (part), Academy Street, Talbot Street, Curtis Street, Clarkes Lane, Exchange Street West & Cathedral Gardens. Project Status: Proposed DfC submitted a business case and began the procurement process for a contractor during 2016. Start Date: 2018 Department for Communities submitted a planning application in January 2017 proposing alterations to the Completion: public realm at Frederick Street, Great Patrick Street and 2020 Exchange Street West.
A contractor was expected to be announced during 2017 with construction also commencing during 2017. However, the Department for Communities issued a statement in July 2017 explaining that “the procurement process has not been concluded because of the financial position at present. The capital budget allocated to the Department does not allow us to progress further with the project at present”.
Sirocco Quays Use: Mixed Use Concept Additional Uses: Office, Residential, Hotel, Leisure Belfast Water Units: 750 Side Swinford (Sirocco) Ltd rebranded the development ‘Belfast Waterside’ in November 2017 and introduced a revised site Planning masterplan by Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen. Status: The revised £400m scheme comprises residential (750 Approved units), office (80,000m2), hotel and serviced apartments (18,500m2), restaurants, cafes, local retail, community Project Status: space and public open spaces. Proposed The proposed first phase of the project comprises a £50m Start Date: office building (250,000ft2). A planning application for the 2019 13 storey office building was submitted in February 2018 and recommended approval at the August 2018 meeting of Completion: Belfast’s Planning Committee. Construction is expected to 2022 commence during 2019.
A press release issued in April 2018 confirmed that the Belfast Waterside masterplan application has been submitted by Vanguard Real Estate. The masterplan comprises residential (750 units), office (80,000m2), hotel and serviced apartments (18,500m2), restaurants, cafes, local retail, community space, public open spaces and a bridge connecting Lanyon Place to the site.
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In addition, a proposal of application notice has been submitted for the first phase of residential development, comprising 450no. apartments, and a 7,000m2 ‘plug and play’ space; a creative cluster building.
Further information on Belfast Waterside, including consultation details, can be found at the official website: www.belfastwaterside.co.uk.
Sydenham Use: Mixed Use Concept Road Additional Uses: Office, Residential, Hotel, Leisure Units: 800 Odyssey Quays The Odyssey Quays Outline Masterplan comprises:
Planning Residential - (792,000ft2) comprising up to 800 apartments Status: (1, 2 & 3 bedroom and duplex units). Located on the upper Approved floors of the riverfront tower and above the main four- storey car-park podium at Sydenham Road. Project Status: Proposed Hotels - (255,500ft2) include a 160 bedroom hotel proposed along the riverfront and a 250 bedroom hotel proposed at the eastern end of Sydenham Road.
Cafes, bars and restaurants - (30,000ft2) at the ground and first floor riverfront buildings and ground floor at the southern side of Sydenham Road.
Retail - (9,800ft2) at the ground floor along the southern side of Sydenham Road.
Community - (17,000ft2) uses including a creche and GP surgery.
Own door offices - (47,000ft2) at the southern side of Sydenham Road at ground, first and second floor level.
Public realm - (2.4ha.) comprising Odyssey Plaza, riverfront promenade, enhanced streetscapes and podium gardens.
Car-parking- (2,700 spaces) within the four-storey podium structure at Sydenham Road
TriBeCa Use: Mixed Use Concept Additional Uses: Residential, Hotel, Office, Retail, Culture and Leisure Planning Status: Castlebrooke Investments intend to develop up to 250,000 Pending Decision ft2 of office, residential and retail space alongside restaurants, bars, cafés, art and leisure uses. Project Status: Proposed PG Ltd and Savills submitted revisions to the outline planning application in August 2019. The outline application Start Date: comprises: 2020 Office – up to 45,000m2 of floorspace within the upper Completion floors of blocks 1, 2, and 9. Date: 2023 Retail, cafe, restaurant – up to 10,000m2 of floorspace at ground floor within blocks 1, 2, 3, and 9.
Residential – up to 36,000m2 of floorspace within block 3.
Hotel – up to 6,000m2 of floorspace within the Assembly Rooms (c.54 rooms)
Cultural / community uses – up to 695m2 of space within block 3.
http://www.castlebrookeinv.co.uk/developments/belfast
http://www.tribeca-belfast.co.uk/
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https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern- ireland/new-500m-belfast-city-centre-development-to- be-named-tribeca-37575329.html
https://www.irishnews.com/business/2019/01/17/news/con tractor-chosen-for-first-phase-of-500m-tribeca-belfast- scheme-1529756/
Upper Queen Use: Office Concept Street 5-7 A seven-storey office building designed by RPP Architects for Dundas Properties Ltd and built by McLaughlin & Harvey Eagle Star between 1980 – 1982. House Magell Ltd, Like Architects and O’Toole & Starkey Planning submitted a planning application in April 2018 proposing to Planning refurbish the existing office building providing new curtain Status: walling facade system and replacing all windows. The Approved application was approved in December 2018.
Project Status: The £5.5m redevelopment by Magell will comprise Construction 30,000ft2 of flexible working space, operated by Urban HQ, when completed during summer 2020. Graham Start Date: commenced construction work in March 2019. March 2019
Completion: Summer 2020
Upper Queen Use: Office Concept Street Additional Uses: Retail 46-52 A three story rendered terrace built c1860 at the corner of Upper Queen Street and Wellington Street. The building Planning currently comprises 3no. retail units and 1no. restaurant. Status: Hegan & Company Ltd submitted a planning application in Approved October 2016 proposing to demolish the existing buildings at 46 – 52 Upper Queen Street and 11a Wellington Street Project Status: and develop an eight storey building comprising ground Proposed floor retail unit (c1,700ft2) and office accommodation above (c17,000ft2). The application was approved in July Start Date: 2018. 2019
Completion Date: 2021
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Victoria Street Use: Hotel 21-23 Units: 151 & Waring Street The existing building is the former Nambarrie Tea offices 45-51 and warehouse.
The combined buildings of 41-43 Waring Street and 45-51 Planning Waring Street are proposed for redevelopment to hotel use. Status: Proprietor Ltd and Pragma Planning submitted a proposal Pre-Application of application notice in November 2019 proposes to demolish 21-23 Victoria Street and 41-51 Waring Street Project Status: (retaining the front façade of 41-43 Waring Street) to Proposed develop a seven storey, 151 bedroom hotel for Moxy Hotel (part of the Marriott Hotel Group).
Victoria Street Use: Office Concept 88 Additional Uses: Retail
Chancery Chancery House is a four-storey red-brick office building House (9,087ft2) completed in 1987 to a design by Brodie & Hawthorne Architects.
Planning The existing building was placed on the market by Lambert Status: Smith Hampton in October 2016 as a ‘freehold office Pending Decision investment opportunity’ with offers invited in excess of £1.45m. Marketing material notes that the building is fully Project Status: let to MTB Solicitors until 30th April 2020. The building was Proposed acquired by DMD Developments in March 2017.
Chancery House Investments Ltd submitted a planning application in November 2019 proposing to demolish the existing building and develop a nine storey building comprising ground floor retail unit and office accommodation (46,200ft2, gross) on the upper floors.
Waring Street Use: Hotel Concept 9-13 Units: 42
War Memorial Kremlin Associates Ltd submitted a planning application in Building November 2015 proposing to convert the existing office building to a 63 bedroom hotel with associated conference and leisure facilities. A new extension is proposed to the Planning rear of the existing building and a new brick walled outdoor Status: space serves as a central garden courtyard. The application Pending Decision was approved by Belfast City Council's Planning Committee on 16th February 2016, subject to conditions. Project Status: Proposed The Signature Living Group (Waring SLG Two Ltd) acquired the building in March 2018 and submitted a planning application in June 2018 proposing to alter and extend the existing building to create a 43no. bedroom hotel, ground floor bar/restaurant and rooftop bar.
Waring Street Hotel Operations Ltd applied for a liquor licence during September 2018.
Revised proposal were submitted as part of application in July 2019.
Colliers placed the building on the market for sale in September 2019.
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Wellington Use: Office Concept Place Additional Uses: Retail, Restaurant
Merchant It is a £70m office scheme centred around the Square redevelopment of Oyster and Royston House. The completed scheme will comprise eight floors of office Planning accommodation over an extended lobby and ground floor Status: retail and restaurant units Approved Felix O’Hare & Co. Ltd commenced enabling works during Project Status: May 2018. Construction McCormack Demolition have been appointed to carry out Start Date: strip-out demolition works May 2018 In July 2019 PwC confirmed they have signed a 20 year Completion: lease for all of the 200,000ft2 office accommodation across 2020 nine floors.
Wellwood Use: Residential Concept Street Units: 205
The Albion The existing site (0.25ha.) at Wellwood Street, bound by Glenalpin Street and Norwood Street, is used as a surface level commercial car park (89 spaces). Planning Status: Glenalpin Street Ltd and RPP Architects submitted an Pending Decision outline planning application in August 2014 proposing a 13 storey purpose built student accommodation building Project Status: comprising up to 391no. beds. The application was Proposed withdrawn by the applicant in September 2015.
A public exhibition for a proposed residential development (The Albion) took place on Monday 19th November.
Glenalpin Street Ltd submitted an outline planning application in December 2018 proposing to develop a residential scheme comprising 277no. units.
The application was amended in June 2019 to reduce the maximum proposed height from 19 storeys to 11 storeys.
York Street Use: Education Concept
University of The new University of Ulster Belfast Campus is a £250m Ulster Campus project to be sited adjacent to and opposite the existing campus building. 72,000 ft2 of new university space, and 4,500 ft2 of refurbished space will be provided to house up Planning to 15,000 students and staff currently based at Status: Jordanstown. The new campus will consist of 4 interlinked Approved buildings at York Street, Frederick Street and Donegall Street with entrances on York Street, York Lane and Project Status: Frederick Street. Construction Construction work on the site of block BD commenced Start Date: during summer 2016 and by summer 2017 the first floor 2015 above basement level of block BC was commencing. Lagan Construction Group was placed into administration in February 2018 and construction was paused for four months until JV partner Somague recommenced work during late June 2018. By the end of 2018 block BC and BD were linked at the third floor across York Lane and block BC had reached the sixth floor.
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York Street Use: Student Accommodation Concept 48-52 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 307
Planning 48-50 York Street is currently a four-storey building Status: (c12,800ft2) with ground floor retail and offices above. Approved 52 York Street is currently a three-storey commercial building built c1840 and redeveloped c1990. Project Status: Proposed The site was acquired during late 2015 by the developer of student accommodation at 123 – 137 York Street.
Student City Ltd submitted a reserved matters application in June 2016 proposing an 11-storey purpose built managed student accommodation building comprising 307no. studios over 3no. ground floor retail units. The application was approved in October 2017.
Discharge of condition applications relating to archaeology and construction noise management were submitted by Student City Ltd in November 2019. The proposed Construction Noise Management Plan suggests that demolition works could commence in December 2019 and take approximately 3 months to complete.
York Street Use: Student Accommodation Concept 81-101 Additional Uses: Retail Units: 717
Planning York Street Student Properties Ltd submitted a planning Status: application in November 2016 proposing to amend planning Approved permission to develop purpose built managed student accommodation comprising 717no. beds with shared Project Status: communal areas, 2no. retail units at ground floor level; Construction 2no. landscaped courtyards; reception/management suite and communal areas; car parking and cycle provision. The Start Date: main changes from the initial application comprise an April 2019 additional 35no. bedrooms and elevational amendments.
Completion: The application was approved in June 2017. Sep 2021 Valeo Group acquired the site during 2019 and Graham Construction commenced work on-site during April 2019. The development will be operated by LIV Student on completion in 2021.
Sources: www.dsdni.gov.uk http://apps.planningni.gov.uk www.futurebelfast.com www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland
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