UK: MRP, the development arm of McAleer & Rushe, has been granted approval by Belfast City Council for a PBSA scheme in Belfast city centre.
The £80 million development of 895 units will see the demolition of a block of buildings between Castle Street, Queen Street and Fountain Street. A car park and Westgate House, on the corner of Castle Street and Queen Street, will also be taken down. The site is approximately 0.6 hectares.
Amenities will include a gym, cinema, meeting/study rooms and laundry rooms.
A Belfast Council planning department report said: “The site is a highly sustainable location within the city centre and close to transport links such as Grand Central Station and other public transport services. The application is supported by satisfactory evidence of need for the proposal. Following negotiations and amendments to the scheme, the proposed building is considered to be of a very good quality design appropriate to its context within the city centre conservation area and setting of listed buildings. The proposal will develop an existing vacant building and large gap site within Queen Street, introducing active frontages and supporting the regeneration of the surrounding area.”
