Belfast City Council has approved a range of ‘transformative’ projects including the redevelopment of a former police station and a new purpose-built managed student accommodation (PBMSA).
The projects include:
Former police station redevelopment
The redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street will see the site transformed into a 74-bedroom hotel featuring a restaurant, bar and additional amenities.
The project includes a nine-storey extension to the rear and the preservation of the historic frontage of the Grade B1 listed building, which is currently on the Buildings at Risk Register.
PBMSA
The PBMSA development at Great Victoria Street will feature four blocks ranging from six to 18 storeys high, with 560 student rooms.
The accommodation will include:
- 205 studios
- 355 cluster rooms
- landscaped roof terraces
- Gym
- Cinema
- Communal spaces
- On-site café.
ECIT extension
Councillors also granted permission for a five and five-storey extension to the ECIT Building at Queen’s Island in the heart of Titanic Quarter’s tech community.
The expansion is part of the Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment, and aims to enhance research capabilities in data security, connectivity and analytics.
Glenwood Primary School extension
Glenwood Primary School on Upper Riga Street, a three-storey 1960s block, will be replaced with a modern two-storey extension.
The new development will provide:
- 21 classrooms
- School canteen
- Nurturing suite for pupils requiring additional support.
New community garden
A new community garden adjacent to Highfield Community Centre was also approved.
Councillor Arder Carson, chairman 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.”
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