MRP NUH Ltd, a development company associated with McAleer & Rushe, has been granted approval by Belfast City Council Planning Committee and elected members for a £80m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Belfast city centre.
The development of the 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. MRP NUH hopes that the development will help rejuvenate the currently rundown Castle Street area.
The council received three letters of support from third parties, and no letters of objection before the planning committee hearing. Council planning officers recommended the plan for approval.
“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.”
Report, Belfast Council planning department
