Pay
Report
Apply
Date: 12 Nov 2024
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved a range of transformative projects at its monthly meeting, with new developments to support the city’s hospitality, education, health and community facilities.
Approval was granted for the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel featuring a restaurant, bar and additional amenities. The project, which includes a nine-storey extension to the rear and the preservation of the historic frontage of the Grade B1 listed building, will bring new life to a long vacant building that is currently on the Buildings at Risk Register.
The committee also gave the green light to plans for a purpose-built managed student accommodation (PBMSA) development at Great Victoria Street, featuring four blocks ranging from six to 18 storeys high, with 560 student rooms. The accommodation will include 205 studios and 355 cluster rooms, complemented by landscaped roof terraces, a gym, cinema, communal spaces, and an on-site café.
Adding to Belfast’s research and development infrastructure, councillors also granted permission for a new five-storey extension to the east and a three-storey extension to the west of the ECIT Building at Queen's Island in the heart of Titanic Quarter’s thriving tech community. The expanded facility, part of the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment, will enhance research capabilities in data security, connectivity and analytics, fostering innovation through collaboration among global companies, local entrepreneurs and research teams.
Plans were also approved for Glenwood Primary School on Upper Riga Street, where a three-storey 1960s block will be replaced with a modern two-storey extension. The new development will provide 21 classrooms, a school canteen, and a nurturing suite for pupils requiring additional support.
A new community garden adjacent to Highfield Community Centre also received approval. The project will provide a green space with raised planter beds, polytunnels, picnic tables and a mini orchard, supporting local biodiversity and promoting health and wellbeing through gardening activities.
Councillor Arder Carson, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee, said: “These approvals reflect our commitment to supporting projects that enhance Belfast’s heritage, community, and economic vitality.
“From revitalising historic buildings and expanding educational facilities to fostering community cohesion and boosting our technology sector, these projects reflect our ambitions to support our city in growing sustainably and inclusively.
“The new hotel and student accommodation developments, in particular, will strengthen Belfast’s hospitality and education sectors, while the community garden and research facilities enrich our local environment and innovation potential.”