List of projects - http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/

-- wjfox


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Belfast seems to be one of the only city's without it's thread along with Nottingham so I thought I would create one. There seems to be a number of projects going on in the city including Victoria Square a £200 million pound devolpment of retail space. The Laganside devolpment scheme to re-jevenate the riverside and the Obel residential tower.

Victoria Square:

http://www.egi.co.uk/webpics/cmspics/25915.JPG

http://www.gotobelfast.com/PressUploads/victoria%20square%20model.jpg

http://www.holland-real-estate.com/db_img/editorial_photos/id0651_w176.jpg

The Obel:

http://www.laganside.com/siteFiles/resources/River%20View_%20obel.jpg

Can people post any other of the projects for Belfast?

^ Last pic looks very similar to Liverpool's Beetham Tower/Radisson hotel/Unisys building thing. Nice!

Hi there, I'm really glad that someone has started a Belfast thread. I've grown up here and it's only recently that we've seen any real development. The Victoria Square development above will be the biggest shopping centre in the city and the Obel tower (supposedly short for 'an obelisk in Old Belfast') will be the tallest building in the city. Not only that, but a load of other new projects are starting up too. These include Queen's Quay, which will include around 750,000 sq ft (69,675 sq m) of homes, offices, niche shops, waterfront cafes and leisure facilities as well as a hotel. This is directly across the river from the Obel and if the initial concept renderings are anything to go by then we should have a very interesting area developing.
Also announced is the Titanic Quarter - a 185 acre site on the old docklands, where the Titanic was built. This will contain homes, offices, the Northern Ireland science park and hotels. It will also be the site of the Titanic Signature Project which will be the first real attempt at remembering the birthplace of the ship.
Other smaller projects include the 'Spire of Hope' which is a 40m modern spire attached to the main Belfast Cathedral and which will be illuminated at night. This will mark the centre of the new 'Cathedral Quarter' of the city, which is hoped to be the artistic heart of the city. Also new is the CAN project. This is only at concept stage (I think) but will be an arts centre to join the Cathedral Quarter to Custom House Square, a newly created civic square by the river. This area is only about 50m or so from the site of the Obel but also contains some of the oldest buildings in the city (eg. Albert Clock, Custom House).
All in all, Belfast is really taking off (and about time too, in my opinion)

Sorry, I forgot to add links to the relevant websites:
Victoria Square - www.victoriasquare.com
Laganside(includes Queens Quay, CAN, Obel, etc) - www.laganside.com
Titanic Quarter - www.titanic-quarter.com (note. this website is a bit behind events and not all images are still relevant. The image of Titanic Signature Project can be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/4141684.stm
Spire of Hope - www.belfastcathedral.org/virtual_tour/article/id/25/

A fairly barren thread this one. Thought I might add to it a bit. Has anybody noticed that 'proposed' development next to windsor house, beside the new Linum House? Anybody got any info on it, like its height? i know its 26 storey, which is the same as the obel, which just recently got under construction. Victoria Square is also takin shape pretty nicely.

Oh yeah, someone was talkin about the development just across the Lagan from the obel at Queens Quay, i think there is another 25 story building as part of those plans. Some pics available at the following links:-

http://www.rmi.uk.com/projects/commercial/TheQQDevelopment/TheQQDevelopment.html

http://www.broadwaymalyan.com/projects/architecture/mixed-use/queens-quay-belfast.cfm

I was a conceptual and schematic architect on the Victoria Square project (already years ago.. we started this in 1998!). I moved to Seattle about 5 years ago. Does anyone have (or can possibly take) construction progress photos? The little webcam thing on their website doesn't show much and doesn't work half the time... Would love to see where it stands.

A fairly barren thread this one. Thought I might add to it a bit. Has anybody noticed that 'proposed' development next to windsor house, beside the new Linum House? Anybody got any info on it, like its height? i know its 26 storey, which is the same as the obel, which just recently got under construction. Victoria Square is also takin shape pretty nicely.

Oh yeah, someone was talkin about the development just across the Lagan from the obel at Queens Quay, i think there is another 25 story building as part of those plans. Some pics available at the following links:-

http://www.rmi.uk.com/projects/commercial/TheQQDevelopment/TheQQDevelopment.html

http://www.broadwaymalyan.com/projects/architecture/mixed-use/queens-quay-belfast.cfm

Good to see a belfast thread!

Hey yea was wondering myself what that new building beside windsor house was. Invest NI building is probadly my favourite building in belfast at the moment.

Did not know about that queens quay building too looks sweet!

Hey

Great to see a Belfast thread and some other ppl interested in the city's development :)

Lived here all my life, well that's only 25 yrs lol But always loved skyscrapers and always wanted to see Belfast grow a decent skyline! I think, now that the 'troubles' are over the city will come on leaps and bounds. There are so many projects at the moment, I think the place will look very different by about 2012!

There's a brochure u can download that shows alot of the new developments, but it's about 8MB so may take a while on slower connections.

http://www.investmentbelfast.com/downloads/IB_property.pdf

I really like Belfast and it would be one of the few UK cities that I would live in outside Sheffield the others being Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Wow I have just looked at your link and Belfast is really booming. I am surprised this thread is so small. We need more Northern Ireland forumers.

I agree :) I think ppl just dont realise all that is going in Belfast at the moment! Like I said, it'll take a few years to see the big changes but im sure it'll be worth it.

I hope the building at Bedford Street square will get the go ahead, it'd be the tallest in the whole city, taller than Obel even, I think. Fingers crossed!

wow... thanks for that guys. i knew about most of the stuff on there, only had three over 10 floors unlisted on my site but id neevr seen a pic of bedford square before. very nice!

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/4607BedfordSquarePhase2_pic1.jpg

Bedford Sqaure looks very nice. It is a good design and I like the way it intergrates that magnificent old building.

Other Belfast projects:

May Street- Mixed use.

http://www.barnabasventures.com/items/images/projects/hopehistory/fromdonegallsq.jpg

http://www.barnabasventures.com/items/images/projects/hopehistory/may_street_night_time.jpg

Meridian Plaza- office

http://www.jermongroup.com/images/office_main.jpg

Days Inn - office and hotel

http://dayshotelbelfastcouk.site.securepod.com/oneshore/cordia/images/flagship.jpg

Castlecourt Shopping Centre re-development:

http://www.toddarch.com/projects/retail/castlecourt/images/image2.JPG

Im most excited about Phase 2 of Bedford Street, but I dont think it's actually been approved yet? I think it would be a shame not to go ahead with it.

Here are a few links for you to view. I've lived in Belfast my entire life and living here at a time of such change and massive inward investment, is truly amazing.

Some links below for some selected developments, other than those above.

http://www.laganside.com/siteFiles/resources/StAnnes Square Piazza.jpg

http://www.civicarts.com/060310/060310_master.html

http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/Alumni/CampaignforQueens/TheNewLibrary/Image,18317,en.gif

However for a major look at all the developments and projects going ahead have a look at the pdf by Investment Belfast, some buildings in it that look fantastic and some I didn'y even know where going ahead, http://www.investmentbelfast.com/downloads/IB_property.pdf

hey im a student at queens aswell. ive heard when they have finished building the new library they will start work on demolishing the old library 10f tower block and replace it with a new building of similiar size for the maths department! Queens university is going trough big changes :) ...

Wasnt aware of the QUB developments!

Still no news on Bedford Square tho, hope it gets the go ahead!

I love the Obel tower. Would love to get something like that down in Cork, am not talking about the height but the design. Here in Cork we only get PoS buildings.

There was an article in the Belfast Telegraph about the Bedford Square Proposal. there was nothing really that new in it, although they did state the height to be 104.5m which i didnt know before. It is still looking planning permission though and will need a major tennant before it goes a head

Thanks for the update! There's bound to be some interested parties :)

Looks like Belfast is getting its own Big Wheel...

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=708857

A computer-generated pic was on the front page of the belfast telegraph today (4th oct), looked quite good!

Is that the actual wheel that was in Manchester? Or maybe it's the one they've just taken out of Birmingham?

no, its a new one :)

The Obel website has been updated.

obel.co.uk

this this the thing they are building opposite the bbc

http://conwaygroup.rizzo.tibus.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/Bedford_St_Dublin_Rd.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/PICT0042.jpg

and heres victoria square

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/gal_62.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/vicsq.jpg

Hey, thanks for the photos! Great to see some in development shots of Victoria Square. I didnt know about that other building -kept that quiet! Where exactly is it?

I like the new building.

that building is opposite the BBC on Ormeau avenue beside the holiday inn

the obel is under way but hasnt got too far off the ground yet. It'll be good to see it rise up

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/PICT0050.jpg

sweet that merit building looks well, was wondering about what was going to be built opposite the bbc building

The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society has confirmed its interest in relocating its Belfast showgrounds to the Maze site in County Antrim.

The society has formally asked the government if it would be willing to sell some 40 acres of the former prison site.

The zone would be for rural, equestrian and showground use.

The society hosts Northern Ireland's largest agricultural event, the Balmoral Show in Belfast, every May.


Demolition of the Maze site is expected to be completed in November 2007.

A new sports stadium is set to be built there along with a conflict transformation centre.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6172780.stm

maybe they will consider a swap and build the new stadium at the balmoral showgrounds, wishful thinking i know...

Was in the fine city of Belfast this weekend.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/belpano1.jpg

I have some street level shots of some buildings (nothing new - mostly 60's and 30's) if anyone is interested to see them.

Any pics of the refurbished central station?

No, sorry, i flew
(thats no excuse though is it really?)

They seem to be quite slow in making progress with Obel, I thought the completion date was 2007?

Also, work is underway at St Anne's Cathedral (can see it from my work), looks like they're getting ready to put the Spire up! And I think they've begun building the St Anne's Square development.

Another New development for belfast has been proposed called the Aurora building which will be 28m taller than the Obel according to the BBC website anyway so that would make it around 109m tall

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6277933.stm

heres a nice wee video about it from the local news. It prob wont be up for that long though

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6270000/newsid_6279400/6279489.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm

you mean this http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=830
it will be 109m.

Excellent! Saw this today, front page of belfast telegraph! Looks well. If they could just get Bedford Square phase 2 to go ahead it would really help the Belfast skyline.

Belfast is booming. I would like to see those pics btw.

Null Entry

The Aurora will not be taller than the U2 tower in Dublin. Dublin has two approved towers that will be taller than the Aurora. The U2 tower at Britain Quay will be 120m tall and Heuston gate which will be 117m tall. The Aurora will only be 109m if it goes ahead. Bedford Square will be 104.5m tall and the obel - 81m.

Also the Queens Quay development is very much in doubt after the developer - sheridan millenium - has had its preferred developer status terminated by the Laganside Corporation. You can read a statement from the Department of Social development at the link below

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/news_items/developing_queens_quay.htm

Null Entry

Aurora will be a great landmark for Belfast. It will also encourage other simialr developments I think. Pity about Queens Quay but they need to get Titanic Quarter movin along!

Yup, Belfast getting some great projects. There's one tower that really needs to bite the dust though ;)

http://mishilo.image.pbase.com/u47/jflogel/large/33978641.DivisTower.jpg

Which tower are u talking about? I think, instead of demolishing any current high-rises, they should give them a makeover, like the UU Art building in Cathedral Quarter. Some shiny glass panels can do wonders lol

Just thought you may all like to know that www.titanic-quarter.com (www.titanic-quarter.com)was updated yesterday. It is now much better and fully up to date with all the adopted plans on display instead of masterplan images.

thats good to see. that web site wasnt very good for ages, some good pics up on it

After seeing the new website yesterday I got in touch with TQ using their contact form to compliment the site. I also asked whether they had any plans for a section detailing the construction progress and possibly photos. They got back to me really quickly to tell me they have
"recently commissioned a photographer to take monthly photographs of the site which will be uploaded in the gallery section of the website"

Should be interesting as I always find wesley johnstons M1 / Westlink updates really good. Just wish they guys at Victoria Square or Obel would do something as well.

Also, does anyone know anything about this

http://www.boxarchitects.com/images/light2.jpg

Its from local firmBox Architects (http://www.boxarchitects.com/light.htm) who also have the alternative proposals for the Obel site at Donegall Quay on their site (http://www.boxarchitects.com/donq.htm)

http://www.boxarchitects.com/images/comm/donqpic2.jpg

Obel is already under construction. I dont like those other two designs, the first one looks out of place.

The Lightbulb isn't an alternative proposal for Obel the 2nd pic is. I don't even think theres free land where the lightbulb thing is in the picture so i don't know whats up with that. Also I agree the alternative proposal for Donegall Quay is rubbish looking - glad the Obel was chosen - I aslo saw more alternative proposals recently -

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9463/obel06alt1ab1.th.jpg (http://img259.imageshack.us/my.php?image=obel06alt1ab1.jpg)

Think the Obel was the best option - Lagan Group are carrying out the basement work and it was meant to be finished in Dec. But from what I could see going over the M3 bridge the other day they haven't started going up??

At last Belfast is getting some fantastic scrapers and some great projects, which is good to see :)

Btw dose anybody know how tall that building is in the titanic quarter?
(the tall building in the arch)

http://www.titanic-quarter.com/items/mediaroom/imagegallery/landmark/cam04am.jpg

Looks to be over 25 but who knows whether it will actually end up looking like that or being that height as its phase 2 of the scheme.

http://www.titanic-quarter.com/items/mediaroom/imagegallery/living/oct06odysseyviewm.jpg

The actual ARC (Abercorn Residential Complex) scheme looks to have been designed to step up in height from the Odyssey to achieve its full height. So when complete the whole of Abercorn Basin will sweep round from the Odyssey gradually gaining height until this "landmark" tower is reached.

Think the Obel was the best option - Lagan Group are carrying out the basement work and it was meant to be finished in Dec. But from what I could see going over the M3 bridge the other day they haven't started going up??

Yeh the obel seems to be taking an age to get anywhere. It hasn't actually moved 'up' at all. It might have something to do with the muddy 'sleech' that belfast is built on which will cause problems with foundations for tallish buildings - thats why the albert clock leans. The obel featured on the BBC programme Coast and they were saying how the foundations dont actually reach the bed rock but the building sort of 'floats'. Hopefully it wont take too long before start to see it move up.

I think once Obel starts going up it should move pretty fast.

Did anyone see the new building that's been given the go ahead for Prince's Dock Street? It's by James Clow developments. It's an apartment complex, one building is about 15 storeys, the other 7 I think, looks nice! It was in the Belfast Telegraph Homefinder yesterday (15 Feb). It wont be finished til 2009 though.

http://www.ericcairns.co.uk/devspecific.aspx?ID=60

Just seen on the planning services website that yesterday permission was granted for the new tower block at the RVH (Phase II). Can't find a picture of the proposal anywhere however. The project has a price tag of £90m and is scheduled for completion in early 2011 after work got under way last month.

Z/2006/2083/F Approval
Royal Group Of Hospitals Royal Victoria Hospital,
Grosvenor Road, Belfast.

Construction of a 12 level hospital building, 63m in height, with a rooftop helipad, to include A&E, critical care, theatres, burns unit and education.

Just came across this website -

http://www.futurebelfast.50megs.com/

its got loads of info on a load of different projects around the City. Some of it is a bit out of date like but its good

OMG - I can't believe you found this - This was the first thing I started in relation to the futurebelfast project.

I started the 50megs site last summer but have since stopped updating it as I purchased the .co.uk and .com addresses with an aim to keeping a fully updated database.

It actually amazed me how much information you can gather when you dig around and how much stuff is going on in Belfast.

At the moment the new site has well over 100 pages of information and over 400 pictures. Hopefully I will get it up and running in the next month. I actually took away the 50megs site after I seen you found it beddiebyes cause I didn't think anyone would ever find and didn't bother deleting it. Sorry, but I'm my biggest critic and didn't think the site was good enough. The new one looks much better I think and is far easier to navigate. Below is an screenshot of the new site.

http://i16.************/2duyw47.jpg

PS. Out of interest, how did you come across the 50megs site beddiebyes??

and the above is why we need a developments field on skyscrapernews. that reminds me, must add the lightbulb

"developments field" ???

add a field to the database for developments then it will show up every building in the development that has that field filled in. follow? just as it displays stuff for cities it would then display pages for developments :) say, development name at the top then a table with a thumbnail of each building, the building name, height and floors all linking to the individual building file. ill get round to programming this some day

Id no idea about the futurebelfast site! I always thought someone should make a site like that, with visions of skylines etc! Cant wait to see it up and running!

Fire at city centre building site

The Fire and Rescue Service are attending a blaze at the site of the Victoria Square centre in Belfast.
Three workers were rescued from the lower ground level of the complex after the fire broke out in a container storing oxygen and propane cylinders.

The site and buildings neighbouring it have been evacuated.

Two lanes of Chichester Street and Victoria Street have been closed and traffic flow in the area has been disrupted.

5.20pm - BBC News Online 27/02/07
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6402087.stm

PS. Out of interest, how did you come across the 50megs site beddiebyes??


I dunno, I think I was just googling for different developments and up it came. I'll be looking forward to the new website when you get it up and runnng

Oh the aurora has its website up. Not a lot on it, just a wee video and stuff

Is there a website that updates the progress of planning permission etc for buildings waiting to be approved?

I always go here - Planning NI - Belfast (http://www.planningni.gov.uk/Devel_Control/council_schedules/belfast/schedules.htm) - Scroll down to the bottom.
And you can search other council areas as well.

There's also a site you can sign up to for a free 24 hr trial where you can search back years of applications and it is really detailed with maps of the proposed sites etc but i can't remember it at the moment - I'll post it if I remember it.


Often you see the same thing over and over again on that Planning service site such as the site to the right of the Opera House extension. First it got permission for a hotel, then changed to offices and on 22 Feb it had regained permission for a hotel. Anyway heres a picture from Robinson McIlwaine Architects - Called Graffan House:

http://www.rmi.uk.com/images/projects/commercial/grhs/slides/slide_3.jpg

Heres some other applications from recently:

4 Jan 07
Z/2005/1828/F Approval
11 Custom House Square and 55-63 Waring Street, Belfast BT1
Erection of 72 no. apartments on 8 levels with 1 no. retail units and ancillary service areas on the ground level and 86 no. car parking spaces located on 3 basement levels. (amended drawing received)

Z/2006/1479/F Approval
Department For Social Development
Castle Junction Kiosk, Castle Place, Belfast
Remove existing kiosk and replace with a new single storey kiosk.


22 Feb 07
Z/2006/1676/F Approval
1-3 Great Victoria Steet and 2-8 Grosvenor Road, Belfast
Erection of 130 bedroom hotel including bar, restaurant and conference facilities.
Graffan Devlopments Ltd
(Amended Scheme)

Z/2006/2083/F Approval
Royal Group Of Hospitals Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast.
Construction of a 12 level hospital building, 63m in height, with a rooftop helipad, to include A&E, critical care, theatres, burns unit and education.

And heres some adverised ones from Feb awaiting decisions:

0015/F
9-12 Grosvenor Road, Belfast including Jurys Inn Belfast, Fisherwick Place, Great Victoria Street, Belfast
Erection of 7 storey hotel extension comprising 112 bedrooms linked to existing hotel and 2 levels of car parking. Area of existing first floor bedrooms to be converted to meeting rooms.

0137/F
Midland Building, 6 Whitla Street, Town Parks, Belfast
Proposed demolition of existing multistorey office block and subsequent erection of multistorey apartment building comprising of 88 apartments on 10 floors, 2no. floors of car parking (one of which is partially underground).

0194/F
101-107 York Street, Belfast
Demolition of existing buildings and construction of new 12 storey building comprising of 68 apartments, two floors of offices and basement carpark (22 spaces) plus six surface parking spaces.

Just realised i didnt put that website up - http://www.aurorabelfast.com/

Noticed the Lincoln centre got approval, would be nice to see that get built.

Z/2005/1497/F Approval

Lincoln Centre (Belfast) Ltd Lands between Hope Street and Wellwood Street, to the Hotel scheme and health and fitness suite with
C/o Andras House, 60 Great rear of No's 69-85 Great Victoria Street & No's 54-70 associated car parking, including basement

Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 Sandy Row, Belfast level, and amendments to existing layby and 7BB regularisation of existing Days Hotel (previous
reference Z/2000/0127/F)

In the Planning advertisements of the Belfast Telegraph today the new Belfast Institute in the Titanic Quarter is advertised.

0298/F
Land east of Queen’s Road and Hamilton Graving Dock, Queen’s Island, Belfast
College campus and ancillary uses including beauty salon, hairdressing salon, bar & restaurant together with access road, basement (& perimeter) car parking of 329 spaces, provision of new junction, upgrading of Queen’s Road & associated site works

If you go here (http://www.titanic-quarter.com/tqlive/)you can see its location.

I would assume they'll want to start work on it this year to get it opened for the proposed 2009 date.

Also I was past the Odyssey yesterday and it seems like they've started piling for the Gateway office complex at the new junction into the Quarter.

I also found an article on a new development to extend the Science Park:

Northern Ireland Science Park recently received detailed planning permission for the next phase of development. The design of the new 210,000 sq ft state-of-the-art development consists of three five storey interlinked buildings.

This new extension will more than double the amount of existing workspace and cement the Science Park’s reputation as Northern Ireland’s premier location for knowledge-based businesses from indigenous start ups to inward investors. The new complex will enable the Science Park to work towards its goal of establishing Northern Ireland as a new innovative hub, as part of the Knowledge Revolution.

The development will be located on the Queen’s Road between Queen’s University’s Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) Research Unit and NISP’s Legacy Building. The new buildings will be arranged in a north-facing, landscaped arc overlooking Belfast Lough.

Work on the first building module, which is 60,000 sq. ft, is expected to begin as soon as possible in 2007, with completion early in Spring 2008. This building will be the fifth facility


According to Norman Apsley, CEO of the Science Park: “Receiving planning permission for this next phase marks another landmark stage in the development of the Science Park. As the reliance on the public sector in Northern Ireland decreases, the Science Park is ahead of the curve. We expect to involve the private sector substantially in this New Development, which in turn will enable the growth and success of private sector knowledge-based enterprise.

“We look forward to going onsite with the first building at the beginning of next year. Occupants in the new building will have access to international broadband connectivity, award winning ICT platforms and flexible real estate / lease options to cater for the specific needs of knowledge-based ventures. In addition, the new building will afford spectacular views over Belfast Lough and the docks. We have worked hard to get the right potential mix of work space and breakout areas in the design of the building. Going forward there will be linked areas with breakout space between each of the three new buildings.”

“Already, the Science Park is home to over 500 knowledge workers employed by a mix of university spin-outs, successful indigenous firms and blue chip inward investors such as Microsoft and Citigroup. We hope to attract a similar mix of tenants to our newest development.”

The new development will include high specification workspace as well as conference facilities, breakout areas and maybe even a gym. Like the rest of the Science Park the new buildings will be flexible, offering companies the opportunity to take an entire floor of 10,800 sq ft, half a floor, several floors or a suite on one of the floors.

Recently Citigroup announced that they were moving from The Innovation Centre to set up their Northern Ireland Global Technology Centre of Excellence in the 40,000 sq. ft White Star House facility, showing the flexibility of workspace at the Science Park.

AND A PRESS RELEASE REGARDING THE REFURBISHMENT OF THOMSON GRAVING DOCK

An exciting new project to rejuvenate the Thompson Graving dock and Pump-house is set to get underway at the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP). The NISP project acts as a precursor to the Titanic Signature Project, currently under development, which aims to develop a visitor attraction of international standard, which celebrates the city’s connection with shipbuilding.

As the number of visitors to Belfast increases, so does the number of those who venture down to Queen’s Island to see some of the sights associated with Belfast’s industrial heritage and especially with RMS Titanic and her sister ships.

The Science Park has a long lease to some of these major assets such as the Thompson Graving Dock and the grade 2 listed Victorian/Edwardian Pump-House. The Thompson Dock was built to meet the needs of a new era of super-size ships. Much of the physical structure is still standing and the underground machinery dating from that time is largely intact. The Pump-house was B1 listed in 2000 and the area around the Dock was scheduled at the same time.

Norman Apsley, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Science Park, said: “We have always recognised the importance of the industrial heritage of the Pump-house and Thompson Dock and we are delighted that this project to begin to preserve the Pump-house and develop a tourist attraction around it. We believe that the restoration of the complex will add significantly to Belfast’s tourist facilities.

”Until today we have used available resources to preserve the facility, but health and safety issues have prevented tourists being able to get up close to the facilities. When NISP took custodianship of the area in 2002, the Thompson Dock and Pump-house complex was already in a run-down condition.

“We are looking forward to work starting on the project straightaway. By next summer we hope that tourists and visitors from Belfast and across Northern Ireland will be able to come down to the Science Park, take a guided tour of the Pump-house, view the pump well, take a walk past HMS Caroline between the Alexandra Dock and Thompson Dock and finish up with a coffee in the café overlooking the Dock. The tour of the complex will also form part of the digital Belfast Titanic Trail which leads visitors on a tour of city sites associated with the Titanic story.”

Councillor Nelson McCausland, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, which has provided financial assistance towards the development of the project said: “Council is delighted to be able to support the Thompson Dry Dock and Pump-House development, which is one of five integral sites related to the Titanic story. This also represents a key opportunity as the city works towards the £100 million Titanic Visitor attraction.”

As part of the project, repairs will be carried out on the roof of the Pump-house, the Thompson dock complex will be landscaped, a walkway will be developed between the Alexandra Dock and the Pump-house and a public car park created. Plans also include the construction of an extension at the Thompson dock side of the Innovation Centre, which will provide a café, viewing and toilet facilities. In addition to this, signage will be mounted explaining the functions of the hydraulic equipment in the Pump-house, the functions of fittings around the dock and about the operation of the dock. Various commemorative plaques will also line the path around the dock.
The project is also supported by the Environment and Heritage Service and Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Windsor House in Bedford street (the current tallest building in Belfast) is to be turned into flats/apartments!

I hope this means the exterior will get a makeover. I know it wont be the tallest for long, but it still stands out on the Belfast skyline and let's face it, it isn't the prettiest building around!

The article was in belfast telegraph btw.

Yeh apparently a developer has bought the office building for £30m, which currently is home to government offices including the parades commission and the european commission, and would seek to convert them into luxury appartments. This would require planning permission. Also I think the building would need to be spruced up on the outside as well as the in if it is to be considered to be luxurious, so perhaps a wee bit of a reclad.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6418777.stm

Also it looks like they are calling that merit building opposite the beeb centrepoint

I certainly wouldn't want to live in Windsor House at the minute. It would need a serious overhall. However I thought thats what has been happening for a while because it always has that green netting over it. What is that for cause they couldn't be recladding it or anything as its been there for years now.

Victoria Square is progressing well lately and the glass domes framework is very visible.

According to this news update (http://www.farrans.com/news/?newsID=1)the House of Fraser store has even been handed over to the fitters.

http://www.farrans.com/filestore/documents/06AC320-12%20%20%20%2026th%20Nov%202006.jpg

Tues -
Recieved loads of info and a nice glossy borchure from Eric Cairns today all about the pre sale for James Clow and boy are they pricey apartments. I'd say they'll have investors clamouring all over them and they'll all sell out like the Obel.

Just wondering when this site is going live? It looks really interesting!

Took a wee dander round to the Cathedral Quarter and then the Titanic quarter to see whats what and to take a few photies. it was only a jippy camera so they arent that great. Phase one of the Titanic quarter is underway, with the first load of 'The Arc' appartments and the Gateway building. There is a load more stuff on the Titanic quarter on the Eric Kuhne website, in particular about the signature project - www.civicarts.com, just go to the projects section.

CATHEDRAL QUARTER

2nd phase of the art college is nearly done.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture011.jpg


Looks like the 'Spire of hope' is on its way up on St annes
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture013.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture006.jpg


Cant remember what they are going to build behind the cathedral itself, I seem to remember some Arts Centre being planned
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture014.jpg


Four Corners hotel thingy
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture015.jpg


TITANIC QUARTER phase 1

The Arc:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/oct06odysseyviewm.jpg
With Samson and goliath in the background
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/arc2.jpg
with the odyssey in the back ground
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/arc.jpg


The Gateway:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/04128gatewayofficetitanicquarter001.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/gateway3.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/gateway2.jpg

Heres the old H&W HQ getting renovated
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture116.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture118.jpg

Here's the nomadic with a load of cranes in the Background, mostly from Vic Sq, You can just about see the dome
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture108.jpg

A bit of a silhouette of the city centre
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Picture096.jpg

Great work beddiebyes - Ive been meaning to take a walk round the development sites for a while now. But every day we get some blue sky i'm busy.

By the way behind St Annes Cathedral will be the St Annes Square development:

I seen them working at one of the cranes today at the Obel - hopefully they're going to start making their way up soon!!

Heres a screenshot of the section from my site on St Annes Square. Sorry it isn't up and running yet but it will be up by the weekend at the latest.
http://i9.************/44rkeis.jpg

CUSP Development Group (http://www.cuspgroup.com/viewProject.php?val=7)
Kennedy Group (http://www.kennedygroup.co.uk/)

EDIT: Just found this article from www.belfasttoday.net

2nd March 2007 Belfast to get facelift in £100 investment
A leading Northern Ireland property company has revealed plans for an ambitious £100m development programme most of which will be in Belfast.

William Ewart Properties is to develop over one million square feet of new developments, with five schemes in Belfast and one in Bridgend in Wales, over the next three years.

The development programme includes 210,000 square feet of office space, 291 residential units, 295,000 square feet of retail space, 1,800 car parking spaces and a hotel.

Ewart development director Acheson Elliott said: "We are now focussing on our development programme and expect to be on site at six major locations within the year.

"With over one million square feet of development, this represents an investment by us of well over £100m, as well as providing a very clear indication of how we see the Northern Irish economy in the medium term.
"In addition, we are working with DSD on the next major retail-led regeneration scheme for Belfast, the exciting £360m Royal Exchange centre which, with a proposed 2012 completion date will have a longer timeline than this development programme, most of which should be ready to open by 2009."

The development plans include:
8 Lanyon Place – 250,000 square feet, office and residential space.
2 Lanyon Place – 105,000 square feet, office space.
Stewart Street – 60,000 square feet, social housing, car parking, offices and hotel space.
Donegall Pass – 180,000 square feet, retail, office, residential and car parking.
Fitzwilliam Terrace – 90,000 square feet, retail and residential space.
Rhiw Centre, Bridgend – 295,000 square feet (98,000 square feet existing) retail space.

Over the last three years Ewart has made £1bn of investment acquisitions at home and abroad including a property company in Germany in a deal worth £180m and the £260m purchase of The Gyle shopping centre in Edinburgh.

Mr Elliott said the company was very pleased to have played a major role in developing the area around the banks of the Lagan in Belfast.
"Nearly 15 years ago, Ewart, working with Belfast City Council and the Laganside Corporation was one of the first to make a major investment on the banks of the River Lagan.
"We are extremely pleased that the two remaining plots on one of Belfast's most prestigious addresses, Lanyon Place, will now be completed.

"With two of Europe's top architects working on the two schemes, Niels Torp of Norway and Broadway Malyan from Manchester, we envisage two new very high quality buildings for Belfast," he said.

Ewart is the largest property company in Northern Ireland in terms of assets which are now approaching more than £1bn.
The company is also known to be continuing to search for other investment opportunities in the UK and Europe.

http://i12.************/2j50w1h.jpg

The arts centre behind the cathedral is a new facility for OMAC. Its currently subject to an RIBA competition with the intention that it forms a wing of the hideous new piazza development that will be directly behind the cathedral.

Cool! Belfast really is boomin. Cant wait to see the plans for Ewart's projects, have they a website?

I wish they did cause they have done alot of cool stuff over the years. Ewarts used to have a site but when they joined up with Dunloe to become Dunloe Ewart the site went. I've been trying to find a site for them for ages.

Ewarts do indeed have a website, including most of their current Belfast projects. Here t'is:

www.ewartproperties.com

Pretty obvious web address for them lol Id searched on google but it never brought that site up, thx!

Yeh I tried to find a website for William Ewart Properties for ages and couldnt find it, cheers Death by Milkfloat. That 8 Lanyon Place looks odd

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Detail_Large_14_2.jpg

Not sure I like it

I don't like the building in front of the Waterfront Hall cause it will be hidden from the view of the road. However everyone complained that Lanyon Quay would ruin the Waterfront and I've grown used to it now. At first it seemed to really overpower you when in the very left lane.

Also the second crane is gone from the Obel site.

EDIT: Wow I can't believe thats the address for Ewarts. I feel like kicking myself - Ive been googling for about two years hoping i'd find something!!

they've removed one of the obel cranes? I hope that is a good thing, that building is taking forever, I'm sure they've been on that site nearly a year now and its not even got one floor off the ground yet

On the lagan groups website - they're doing the basement work - they say the basement work would last from November 2005 to December 2006. So it is possible they had trouble with water like Victoria Square when they tried constructing so close to the Lagan.

If so they will probably start building up soon cause I don't think they will want to be three months behind schedule already.

I passed the crane being disembled in the morning and by the evening it was gone. But they where always very low so I asume it was mainly for the metal structures in the basement. It could be that it is no longer needed or there will be no room for two cranes as they start to build up.

Also has anyone any news on Meridian Plaza. Its the development on Great Victoria Street behind the Aurora which involves the recladding of Fanum House. I can't get on to the website which is advertised on the billboard of the site - www.meridianplaza.co.uk

However I requested a brochure last week and it looks pretty impressive especially when Fanum House is fixed up to look like something decent.

But to add to the confusion on Jermon Groups website www.jermongroup.com the image of the scheme is of one building and makes no ention of Fanum House.

The Jermon Group image:
http://www.jermongroup.com/images/property/1_main.jpg

The image in the brochure i got sent of a recladded Fanum House and other new buildings:
http://ms.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/nibi_Microsite/Image.ashx?id=566

The Lanyon Place building looks a bit odd, but might look better in reality. Which one is Fanum House btw?

Fanum House is on Great Victoria Street beside the old shell station. Its home to most of the media outlets and often has live reports from its roof for sky news.

In the image above it is the silver building on the left, of course at the minute its a brown concrete block.

Also I noticed they're working around Custom House Square now. I wander is that the Cann Building and over at the old lagan lookout hoardings have went up.

EDIT: Just noticed that www.victoriasquare.com has changed slightly. And they've anounced the official opening of 6th March 2008.

Also finally John Lewis will go ahead at Sprucefield. It seems something big happens with Belfast or the surrounding area every week now. Things really are on the up!!

Hey, I see the FutureBelfast site is up and running – great work!

here's yet another development apparently in the pipeline, in Chichester Street:

http://www.rmi.uk.com/projects/retail/SSmoore/ChichesterSSMoore.html

Great that the FutureBelfast site is up and running :) So much to keep up with though, wonder what Belfast will actually look like in ten years time?

Thanks guys, glad you like the site. It took a long time to get to this stage and there's still a load of new projects and developments that need added like that one on Chichester Street.

It would be a great help if you could point out any faults or maybe fill in any blanks on the site cause theres still a long way to go before its a comprehensive database.

Ill keep an eye out when I visit!

There's new scaffolding up on St Anne's Cathedral today so the Spire must be going up v soon. Also, does anyone know if they're making over the area beside the Art College, it has old fountains and seats etc? It looks quite drab compared to the new building now.

There's also another building I pass some days, on North Street, which is v run-down, covered in graffiti, boarded windows etc. It's a grey building about 7 storeys probably. Anyway, it's an eyesore! They need to demolish it or give it a makeover too. Maybe it's included in the Royal Exchange project?

I would say the building your talking about is part of Royal Exchange. Although I'm not sure of the building I know that Ewarts have been buying up property all over that area for around 10 years now for Royal Exchange. You often see it mentioned somewhere like the Belfast Teles Business Telegraph.

As for the area at the art college I definately think it needs a makeover but it probably won't happen until the area becomes more popular. When St Annes Square, Talbot Street, Royal Exchange and the rest of the Cathedral Quarter is further on then I could see a definate need for that to be revamped.

I havnt seen any progress anywhere on the street refurbishment project around Belfast. All the shopping streets where to get a makeover starting in Jan 07. I think Farrans got the contract but I have yet to see any work on this.


EDIT:
I was drivng past the back of the Cathedral today and noticed that the builders are finally on site at the St Annes Square site clearing the remains of the DOE car park.

Also, the Belfast Telegraph has a small article about 5 pages in about the arrival of the first parts of the Spire of Hope tomorrow. Apparantly they'll be lifted into position tomorrow sometime.

I saw the article about the Spire, they've been working on it today, as well as St Annes Square, I think the Spire will be completed by end of May.

Another buidling I think could do with a makeover is River House (on High St) It's about 14 storeys, again it's very drab looking. I think with the new developments in Custom House Square and Victoria Square nearby it'll look out of place if they dont give it a revamp!

I heard about the street refurb too. I think it's really needed, there's too much graffiti on buildings around the main shopping areas, messy footpaths etc. I think they're starting the refurb of City Hall grounds soon so maybe after that they'll move on to the streets.

The Royal Victoria Hospital Tower 63 metres height is Under Construction,Can you confirm it?

I don't know if they have started on that hospitial tower yet or not, has any one seen any pictures of it either?

I was having a look at some of the pictures of Victoria Sq and seen a building on what is now a Car park and was wondering if this has anything to do with Multi developments Victoria Sq or is it something completely different. you can see it in the picture below.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/gal_23.jpg

I also came across a promo video for Queens quay. I have no idea how old it is and most of it is just people walking round vacantly smiling and pointing at random things. It has some shots of towers near the end of it, but they are all different and are different to the Broadway Malyan design. Considering sheridan lost its prefered developer status on the project, it is probably irrelevant anyways but I will post it so you can see for yourself.

http://www.infernoproductions.co.uk/corporate/files/page12-1055-pop.html

Came across this article on St annes Sq -
http://www.belfasttoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=3445&ArticleID=2180652

And heres a link which has the RIBA competetion for the OMAC building
http://www.riba.org/go/RIBA/Also/Competitions_3898.html

I also noticed the superbowl has been demolished so that clarence st west development should be going ahead soon

Beddiebyes, that building isn't part of Victoria Square but is a different development. I seen it somewhere on the net but cant find it now. I'll post the info if I can find it again.

I noticed today that MacAllister Holdings have their hoardings up around the Gt.Victoria St. Aurora site.. basic prep work I assume, as I haven't heard that the Aurora has been given the go ahead... or has it? :)

And here's yet another planned hotel for the gasworks, apparently (pic 2 of 3):

http://www.cuspgroup.com/viewProject.php?val=9#

A planning application for 1 Lanyon Place is in the Belfast Tele today. Does anyone know which site this is because the only two I know of are the Soloist (http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/2LanyonPlace.htm)building by Niels Torps on 2 Lanyon Place and No 8 (http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/8LanyonPlace.htm) (Building shown at the top of the page)???

Also if you go here (http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/2LanyonPlace.htm)there's some planning drawings I got from Niels Torps this week.

Im not sure if Aurora has been given the go ahead but I saw diggers on the site this morning, so something is going on! Im sure it will be built, they cant decline a building like Aurora, it's too good for Belfast's image.

I think the work at the aurora site was mainly getting rid of the remnants of the petrol station that was there. I don't think it has got planning permission yet, but i cant see why it would be refused. They have had hordings up with pictures and all of the second phase of Bedford square for ages and there doesnt appear to be any movement of that going ahead just yet

The planning approval for Bedford Square phase II is expected very soon as far as I know. They are looking at a summer / early autumn start date for basement work.

Here's a couple more developments I've come across:

In Victoria Street:
http://www.hobartheron.com/projects/index.asp?cat=1&proj=19

New ferry terminal building:
http://www.hobartheron.com/projects/index.asp?cat=1&proj=53

There's also the new Pilot Point building in Clarendon Dock, but I can't find a suitable link

dont know if anyone has seen the ******** for the giants park, its on the site of the old dump as you come into belfast via the m2... looks impressive , you can vote for what you want in at

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/giantspark/index.asp?menuitem=what

also a 3d fly over at

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/giantspark/video.asp?menuitem=video

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/images/giantplanLarge1.jpg

If you go HERE (http://www.titanic-quarter.com/items/mediaroom/presspack/tq_regenerating_belfast_webversion.pdf)Titanic Quarter have just launched their first issue of the Titanic Quarter magazine. Its pretty interesting stuff - alot of new images and information.

Here's pics of the development going up next to the Custom House – yet another apartment block, not The Can, which still doesn't appear to have a start date

http://www.povallworthington.com/custom/00.jpg
http://www.povallworthington.com/custom/01.jpg

hey guys! great to see all the goings on in my belfast. its amazing to see the great changes that are going on in a city that previously nothing ever happened in. the last 3 years i've been pleasantly surprised everytime i come back over, unlike previous years where nothing was ever any different. Lets hope this momentum continues.

I like the quayside developments. pity belfast doesnt have the weather of durban, but otherwise they seem high quality which makes a change.

i was wondering what they were building on that site at custom house square. where did you find out milkfloat? Who is the developer?

I was looking at the laganside website recently and they have put videos up for each of the development sites. the one on donegall quay has some shots of the obel which I hadnt seen before. you can view the movie here - http://www.laganside.com/donegallquay.asp

I found the pics for the Custom House Square apartments here:
http://www.povallworthington.com/

Interestingly, I found some stuff on the Planning Appeals Commission NI website where they list most of the office developments intended for Belfast in the next 18 months or so, and their current planning status.. :

This is the list of the opportunity development sites and their current status, showing the actual supply available within Belfast city centre over the next 18-month period.
1. Gateway Offices, Titanic Quarter
This development is outside of the current BMAP city centre. The developers are on site and completion is expected in the 2nd quarter of 2008.
2. Odyssey Quays, Laganside
Preferred development status has been removed from the Sheridan Group and it is likely that this opportunity will need to be reoffered to the market by way of a development brief.
3. Obel Tower
Whilst there is an element of office space within this development, we do not have a date for completion of the Tower which is undergoing some difficulties at foundation level. This development reflects the profitability of residential development in the city and the need to supply the office demand in TQ.
4. Haymarket House, Cromac Square
This building is now completed and has been taken in its entirety by Forsyths Business Centre.
5. No. 8 Lanyon Place (under the control of William Ewart Properties)
There is not yet a published start date for this development.
6. Bedford Street
Under the control of McAleer & Rushe and Ewart Properties and there is not yet a published date for this development.
7. 22-26 Adelaide Street (Straben Developments)
This property is under construction with completion due at the end of Quarter 3 2006. Of the 13,400 sq.m. available, 7,000 sq.m. have already been agreed.
8. Graffon House, Great Victoria Street
There is not yet a published start date for this development.
9. Sturgen Building, 9-12 Queen Street
Only approximately 1,000 sq.m. of this space is still available.
10. 6-8 Queen Street
There is not yet a published start date for this development although the adjacent site is now to be developed out as apartments
11. Oyster House, Wellington Place
This property has been completed and only 900 sq.m. remain unlet.
12. Marshall Building, York Street
We understand that this building is nearing completion and has been agreed to let.
13. St Annes Square, Cathedral Quarter
Whilst works are beginning to the infrastructure, the completion date for the office element of this scheme is not available.
14. Linenhall Plaza, Linenhall Street
Being developed by Kilultagh Estates, most of this building has now been let and only approximately 1,000 sq.m. remain on the market.
15. 29-33 Montgomery Street
We understand that this property will be completed in early 2008 and is available, totalling some 4,000 sq.m.
16. Erskine House, Chichester Street
A start date for this development is not available.
17. Cathedral Way Development
There is not a published start date for the office element of this proposed development.
18. Oxford Exchange, Oxford Street
This building is now nearing full occupation with 1,000 sq.m. available.
19. 27 May Street
This proposed office scheme is undergoing planning problems relating to heritage issues and no start date is available.
20. 16-18 Chichester Street
There is no available start date for this development.
21. 6-14 Chichester Street
There is no available start date for this development.
22. Brunswick House, Brunswick Street
There is no available start date for this development.
23. 15-29 Gloucester Street
There is no available start date for this development.
24. 58-60 Bedford Street
This property is currently under construction with completion in Quarter 1 2008 and totals some 4,000 sq.m. of offices.
25. 51-53 Fountain Street
This is under construction and totals only 500 sq.m. of offices.
26. Hill Street/Talbot Street
This development, by Barnabus Ventures, is being pre-sold and no space is now available.
27. Clarendon Square
This extensive office scheme of approximately 35,000 sq.m. will not now proceed as the site has been acquired by Roads Services to provide an underpass linking the M2 with the Westway.
28. The Can, Custom House Square
There is no available start date for this development.

Points of note: You can see it confirms that there have been problems with foundation work for Obel, also it appears that plans for the development of Clarendon Square have been abandoned in favour of road alterations..
It also mentions proposals for several sites on Chichester Street, but makes no mention of the Soloist building at 1/2 Lanyon Place, or Ewarts development at Stewart Street.

another question. is this the only place on this whole forum with stuff on belfast?

yes it is

Also they were sticking up the spire, or at least a part of it, on St Annes today

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6540000/newsid_6549700/6549777.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm

I saw them lifting up the spire the other day, looked really impressive! And that was only the first part of it (interior bit).

That list looks outdated, it mentions some developments due for completion in 2006! And I think Bedford Square phase 2 is starting construction in late summer/autumn this year.

I was watching a program of Coast the other day and they showed the foundations being built of the Oble Tower and saying how the whole of Belfast is built on 50m of mud. (A bit old I know, but I thought I'd post it anyway, if anyone was intrested to know about that :))

Any photo of latest obel tower construction please.

Any photo of latest obel tower construction please.

There is no point, as there isnt anything to take a picture of. They havent got off the ground floor, there is a picture on page 2 of this thread and it is pretty much the same now although the have concreted over it.

Titanic quarter have launched their webcam as well

http://www.titanic-quarter.com/webcam-pop.php

Its of the arc development

Hi all,

Obel, don't hold your breath. Part 1 complete (basement watertight - specialised contractor), tower still to be finally designed probably months before contractor is awarded contract to complete. It was in for planning last week I think, office space to be converted to apartments at a guess from reading it.

Regards

Dr High Rise

PS. 22 storey tower proposal for ******

http://i17.************/2my5ls3.jpg

This pic of the Obel site is from Tues. I assumed the concreted area is completed and ready to build up. From the plans it would be the smaller eight storey tower and behind where they are still working with steel is the basement for the taller apartments.

Also the planning application you're talking about 937delta is from the Belfast Telegraph on the 13th April 2007:

0770/F

Donegall Quay, Belfast

Erection of 341 residential apartments, 1228 square metres of commercial / restaurant, 267 parking spaces, external works and associated accommodation.

I also took this picture of the ARC under construction:

http://i17.************/2uygl09.jpg

It shows the steel girders being put in place in the basin too keep back the water in order to fix up the quay wall. Also to the far right of the picture the digging work is down one level in most of the area ready for basement work.


I also took this pic of Victoria Sq. I just wish the Obel people would work as fast as those on VS because you always see progress at VS.

http://i12.************/2cf6ycp.jpg

Does anyone know what this development is.... Its near the new college court central development.

http://i14.************/42n4r34.jpg

http://i17.************/4gpnx94.jpg

I thought it was the College Court Central development (www.collegecourtcentral.co.uk)but it is actually here:

http://i11.************/47mu6w3.jpg

EDIT:
In todays Belfast Telegraph there is an amended planning application for Bedford Square:

2567/F Lands bounded by Franklin Street, McClintock Street, Ewart Building (17 Bedford Street) and Linum House (Nos 1 & 2 Bedford Square), Belfast. (Readvertisement)
26 storey mixed use development (retail, gallery, offices), with basement car parking and completion of new civic square. (Amended Plans including increase of red line to include listed building within application site)

The spire at St Annes final section is to be placed today. Height above pavement to top of spire is to be 71.3m give or take an inch or two.

I am surpized at reading this site and others over a period that there are quite a lot of proposed towers for Belfast which never have been mentioned. Some over 70m tall.

Regards

Dr Highrise

You mean not mentioned by this site or ones that we don't know of??

Please tell all - I don't like to think i'm missing out on some info:)

Well lets just say that there is a proposal for a 22 storey tower in the Boucher Road/West link area in for planning. Which may be the one below but I am not 100% sure. Haven't been round that area for a long time so don't know if there are any billboards around the site, with images etc

2007-01-19 2866/O

406-420 Donegall Road, (lands at junction of Glenmachan Street, Donegall Road and M1 motorway), Belfast Erection of a ‘gateway’ mixed use development comprising hotel/leisure facilities; own-door office units; live/works units; ancillary restaurant; residential units together with parking, siteworks and access roadworks.

How do you know its 22 storeys 937delta??

Its not that I don't believe you its just that I searched abit for this and found no more info other than the use. It does seem odd that they would build such a tall building there although if they did i suppose it would be behind the grave stone makers in that empty land or opposite where there has been a for sale sign for ages (I think it used to be a childrens play area).

A reliable source told me.
Did you know that several years ago I remember reading, I think it was the Belfast Telegraph, that a chinese business man from here was determined to build the tallest building in europe in Belfast. I laughed as this was probably 10years ago, the days when one would have never believed that Windsor House would be surpassed in height. In leeds, Manchester, Glasgow 175m plus are possible so you never know.

I'm just new to this site and am surprised that there hasn't been any mention of the proposed Murray's Tobacco Works redevelopment at Sandy Row. The architect carrying out the masterplanning of the works is White Ink (the architect of the Pilot St tower). Phase 2 of the development includes a tower of possibly 27 / 28 storeys - have a look:

http://www.whiteink.co.uk/project.php?act=2&pid=99

Incidentally, the Pilot St tower is elevated at 17 / 18 storeys (approx 57m) in the Architect's web page:
http://www.whiteink.co.uk/project.php?act=2&pid=55

As Delta937 has mentioned, there are a lot of proposals in the pipeline for Belfast. Until schemes receive planning approval & funding most developers tend to want their projects to remain out of the public eye due to commercial sensitivities.

I knew about the Pilot street building, I think theyve already started working on the site, didnt know about the Sandy Row one though! V cool.

A friend of mine who works in construction told me that alot of the ground Belfast is built on isnt that suitable for tall buildings (I dont know the technicalities), hence the lack of them! Apparently that's why Obel is taking so long, piling has to be done first etc which is expensive and lengthy process. Maybe that's putting off alot of developers from building other towers?

The tower for Obel has not yet been drawn up from a construction 'nuts and bolts' point of view. This process will take several months. As far as I am aware the tower and all other rising elements are a seperate contract of which a contactor has not yet been appointed. Also as the developer is waiting on planning approval for the offices to become apartments, this fits well in with above info

Hey guys - really interesting thread yous have going here, got it bookmarked. I was wonderin' if anyone knew anything about the proposed development of offices on the corner of ravenhill and ormeau embankment (where the old BIFHE building where, although now demolished)?
I heard the development got planning permission in Nov '05 but so far nothing has happened - is there anyway of finding out when the developer plans to start?
The developers are GGF Developments with Coogan & Co architects

Titanic Quarter Magazine (http://www.titanic-quarter.com/items/mediaroom/presspack/tq_regenerating_belfast_webversion.pdf)

A 36 page booklet on the titanic quarter including some new renders. If your intrested I would take a look, had some great info about the development & history.

I was very sceptical about the spire for St Annes when I saw the proposals. I thought it was far too thin, a bit like a flagpole with a fine point. I have a sketch somewhere of what Sir Thomas Drew had originally intended which was a large tall chunky tower, not unlike Lincoln Cathedral. The roof had 1'minaret' type tower to each corner which would have had a top level, from ground level, not far off the height of the new spire. Now on Friday I saw the spire and I thought it was quite nice not as slender as I had thought it would be. I can see it becoming a icon for certainly cathedral quarter if not the city.
Would do you folk think are you for it or against it..........

I think St Annes looks great so far, quiet elegant. I'm really interested to see what it looks like when lit at night.

I took these pics on Saturday:

I really like this one because it hides the platform currently in place to give a good idea of what the spire will eventually look like.

http://i13.************/6fslr8y.jpg

http://i16.************/537st8m.jpg

And I thought I would put this one up because I've never really been a fan of the Royal Mail building but with the sun shining and the reflection of the H&W cranes it actually looked pretty good. So I was wandering if anyone had any info on it and i will put it on my site.

http://i17.************/4mlnupw.jpg

I've just heard about a 60m high tower for Bridge-end area, can't say much more until I get more info, it is on an existing car-park site apparently.

Bridge end is the area near Sirocco isn't it??

I think this site is on the East side of the Queens Quay site, not far from the fly-over. The information I received was a little sketchy, but bridge-end, 60m in height and the fly-over were mentioned, I thought they were talking about the 90m high Queens Quay development, but they said it was behind that on a car park. Apparently its acutually in for planning-so its slightly more than just a rumour, and folk don't submit plans because they are bord. Does any one have any info.

There's plenty of car parks in the area that it could be, and must are old DOE ones that are now closed. But if you eliminate the ones it couldn't be it'll maybe leave something. The temporary car park in the old Sirocco works has plans for a couple of high rise apartments etc so it isn't that. And as you say the Queens Quay tower takes another car park. There is also an office block planned for the car park opposite Quay Gate Apts by the same developer and in the same style. That leaves a couple of options but it could also be something to do with Queens Quay. If they have went ahead without Sheridan with another proposal for the area. Although I would assume we would have heard that on the news because UTV have followed this case.

http://i16.************/4yhw13s.jpg
The most likely one i can see is the car park to the left of the A2 marker. It has been shut down for some time now.
This pic shows the car parks used for Queens Quay:
http://i17.************/5358p6d.jpg

Good news guys the Bedford Square phase II plans have been approved by the City Council so hopefully work will begin this year.

Z/2005/2567/F Approval

Bedford Street Developments C/o McAleer & Rushe Ltd

Lands bounded by Franklin Street, McClintock Street, Ewart Building (17 Bedford Street) and Linum House (Nos 1 & 2 Bedford Square), Belfast.

26 storey mixed use development (retail, gallery, offices), with basement car parking and completion of new civic square.(Amended Plans including increase of red line to include listed building within

Is that official well excellent news, that will start very soon McAleer & Rushe don't hang around, with office space at a shortage, with so many apartments being built, offices converted to apartments etc.
Obel may never be the tallest in Belfast. McAleer could start with basement excavations ASAP, and start on the tower by christmas/early spring 08, and look at how quickly the Invest NI building rose out of the ground. Lets live in hope!

Also I just seen in the Belfast Telegraph Homefinder an advert for what looks like phase 5 of the Redwoods in Belfast. It's a group of at least three 9 storey apartment blocks. They seem to be referring to them as the Apartments at Redwoods. I know that it's not really in the city centre area but its quite interesting that such tall buildings for Belfast are being built out at Dunmurry. The development is on the former Conway Hotel site and is also being developed and constructed by McAleer & Rushe with Eric Cairns as agents. I can't find any pictures on the net of these new blocks however.

I also know about a proposal for residential accommodation on the other end of Belfast. Adjacent to Nortel on the Monkstown road - 3 blocks also, however not sure of how many floors but around 6-8.

It was only a matter of time before phase of Bedford square got the go ahead, great news :D Hopefully it wont take as long as Obel to get the tower up!

Can confirm bridge end development z/2006/2702/F, site is bounded Bridge end/Railway/Station st, between block E2 and F1 on the Queens Quay 3D by G2GAP, it's for 2 towers (apartments one on west side one on East both built off 3 storey plinth. Tall tower is aprox. 60m high 19 floors (west) small tower 45m 14 floors (east). Tall tower has mast top level off street = 68.5m approx (the floors in towers include for plinth ie Grd + 19 etc)

Bedford Square will be presented to the Council on the 17th May, It is just that the DOE have given their opinion that it should be approved. It would be highly unusual if the council didnt give their approval though, as they already have before and the plans havent changed that much. The developers have said before that they would need a major tennant before they go ahead with it as well, but it would be great to see some work on the site before the year is out

From TQ website:

The Titanic Signature Project involves the development of a world class visitor attraction by 2012, in time for the centenary celebrations.

As part of the BIG Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks programme the Titanic Signature Project is one of 23 projects from across the UK that has been short listed for a small number of grants of up to £25 million.

To date we have consulted with a number of community interest groups, the heritage sector and the education sector to see how the Titanic Signature Project can meet local requirements.

Taking on board the many ideas and suggestions, the exhibition content has been designed to reflect not only the story of the Titanic, but the story of Belfast - what the city was like in the early 20th century and how the people that built Titanic lived and worked.

Through the consultation to date you have told us that you want a building that is accessible to the local community with a dedicated space for community events and activities. With this in mind, the design of the building includes a significant community space. This community space can be used for many purposes...

Story Telling?
Temporary art exhibitions?
A place to record local stories?
Model building workshops of the Titanic & other famous ships originating in Belfast?
A communal place for local people to meet - young and old alike?
Or a facility to educate younger generations about the past?
The list of ideas is endless.

This is your space and therefore you decide. Plans for the community space will be developed over the forthcoming months - but to influence this work the team needs to hear more of your views.

The Titanic Signature Project is not only the development of a flagship visitor attraction, but will also look at the development of the wider site and heritage assets including the Thompson Dock and Pump House, the Titanic Slipways, the SS Nomadic, HMS Caroline, Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices.

The Titanic Signature Project is being promoted by the Titanic Alliance which includes Titanic Quarter Limited, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, East Belfast Partnership and Belfast City Council.

Click here (http://www.titanic-quarter.com/items/8988_titanic_flyers_give_us_your_view_apr_07.pdf) to download official Titanic 2012 flyer for your chance to enter to a free draw for £100 Marks & Spencer vouchers.

Can confirm outline planning has been lodged for 22 storey tower on LHS of
M1 motorway while heading country bound, just at Broadway roundabout. The site has proposals for several buildings dropping in height following the curvature of the motorway. The tallest is 22 dropping consecutively to around 5 or 6 (not sure on low rise numbers)

Good News on Bedford Sq phase 2. Heard it got approval by the council on Thursday Night. I was wondering if anyone had an image of the original 'Atrium' building proposed for the Ewart site (Bedford Sq). I believe the initial proposal was about 36 storeys, but was later revised down to a similar height as Windsor House. I remember seeing an image of the development back in the late 80's and it looked like a larger version of Dorchester House on Gt. Victoria St - lots of red brick & a semi-circular barrel vault glass roof.

They have put a great big billboard up on the aurora site which you may have noticed.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/Image1.png

Also the website (http://www.auroraliving.co.uk) has been updated. It has an animation of the development and I am pretty sure they have put the second phase of the bedford sq up in the background

anyone got any questions on aurora they want me to ask tomorrow as im having a chat with someone then about it.

Null Entry

anyone got any questions on aurora they want me to ask tomorrow as im having a chat with someone then about it.

Would you tell him, its a bit low, what about 50 storeys, seriously though ask them
1. have any other projects in Belfast of interest,
2. what reaction are they getting from the planners with relation to height.
3. when do they hope to seriously start selling apartments and actually constructing the tower.

Many thanks

Dr High-rise

There's an advert in te Business Telegraph today about P Elliot the southern company that bought Windsor House. They confirmed they are starting work at the end of the month on the Custom House Square site. It will be 14 storeys, designed by Todd Architects, and will take 18 months to complete.

They are also to build an £8m building at 101 -107 York Street. It will have 68 apts, offices and basement parking. From the picture it looks like 12 storeys.
The planning application was in the Belfast Tele in Feb this year.

Also, I was just thinking the other day about the Castle Court extension. There has been no word about this in a couple of years now. Does anyone know the status of this.

Driving past Talbot Street today I noticed the scaffold is all down and you can see the buildings. They're not quite finished but it really lifts the look of the area.

There's an advert in te Business Telegraph today about P Elliot the southern company that bought Windsor House. They confirmed they are starting work at the end of the month on the Custom House Square site. It will be 14 storeys, designed by Todd Architects, and will take 18 months to complete.

.
Which site is this building located at on Custom House Square, there is an image a couple of pages back, which shows a 10 storey building adjacent to the bank/behind the Heyn building. Is this one you are talking about or is there a different site. Did they mention anything about Windsor House. There is potential there to add a few floors on top.

There's an advert in te Business Telegraph today about P Elliot the southern company that bought Windsor House. They confirmed they are starting work at the end of the month on the Custom House Square site. It will be 14 storeys, designed by Todd Architects, and will take 18 months to complete.

They are also to build an £8m building at 101 -107 York Street. It will have 68 apts, offices and basement parking. From the picture it looks like 12 storeys.
The planning application was in the Belfast Tele in Feb this year.

Also, I was just thinking the other day about the Castle Court extension. There has been no word about this in a couple of years now. Does anyone know the status of this.

Driving past Talbot Street today I noticed the scaffold is all down and you can see the buildings. They're not quite finished but it really lifts the look of the area.


I am pretty sure the castle court extension was shelved at least for a few years because with the developments of royal exchange, victoria square and st annes square. They didnt want to overload the city with retail space at the same time so they left it to see how these developments went first of all before giving the go ahead

There's an advert in te Business Telegraph today about P Elliot the southern company that bought Windsor House. They confirmed they are starting work at the end of the month on the Custom House Square site. It will be 14 storeys, designed by Todd Architects, and will take 18 months to complete.

They are also to build an £8m building at 101 -107 York Street. It will have 68 apts, offices and basement parking. From the picture it looks like 12 storeys.
The planning application was in the Belfast Tele in Feb this year.

Also, I was just thinking the other day about the Castle Court extension. There has been no word about this in a couple of years now. Does anyone know the status of this.

Driving past Talbot Street today I noticed the scaffold is all down and you can see the buildings. They're not quite finished but it really lifts the look of the area.

I remember seeing an image of a tower in the Queen's Sq / Custom House Sq area of Belfast by Todd Architects - I wonder if this is the development that P. Elliot are on the verge of commencing.

C:\Queens Sq 2.bmp

It is located on the corner of Queen's Sq & Donegal Quay adjacent to McHughs bar.

(I'm not sure if this image will display properly, if it doesn't could someone give me a clue how to insert it into a post)

I saw the billboard up at Aurora site, so is this building actually official now? Great news about Bedford Sq getting approval :) I also saw the article in the Tele y'day about Custom House sq and York St buildings.

Is the Murray Tobacco site official too? The new building for there looks impressive.

I also saw the article in the Tele y'day about Custom House sq and York St buildings.

Can anyone put an image of the custom house sq building on this site

C:\Queens Sq 2.bmp

(I'm not sure if this image will display properly, if it doesn't could someone give me a clue how to insert it into a post)

Hi Al your nealry there.
you need to type
<img src="www.website.com/image.gif">
That should do it for the code. I also noticed though that your image was saved on your computer. It needs to be saved somewhere on the internet (flickr maybe) for everyone else to see it, you then reference it from there.

At first i thought the building being referred to was this one:

http://www.povallworthington.com/custom/00.jpg

However, it is the wrong height and the wrong architects. So I assume it is one of the other sites. It also couldn't be the Can building so I have no idea where it is. Does anyone know what Farrans are working at on the old Lagan Lookout carpark. I would have thought it was too small a site for a building.

Now come on folks where is this 14 storey tower that they are starting next week, how has it slipped through the net. I can't see it on the future Belfast website either. You see we have been focusing on the obel and Bedford st tower, and while are attention has been distracted in pops a 14 storey building that nobody knows about, probably will be finished before obel. Is this building for offices, apartments are a hotel. If nobody tells me then I will not disclose a 70m high tower in for planning that has not been mentioned here, its located not far from Bedford Street.

Now come on folks where is this 14 storey tower that they are starting next week, how has it slipped through the net.
It's not Sirocco is it? I noticed a lot of building there this morning. It looks like they are constructing a road from the junction with the Short Strand bus depot.

Hi Al your nealry there.
you need to type
<img src="www.website.com/image.gif">
That should do it for the code. I also noticed though that your image was saved on your computer. It needs to be saved somewhere on the internet (flickr maybe) for everyone else to see it, you then reference it from there.

The image of the building is actually contained within a 9MB pdf file & is available to dowload from the investment belfast website - here is the link :

http://www.investmentbelfast.com/downloads/IB_property.pdf

go to page 40 - the 14 storey tower is the top middle image on the page.

Also: Farrans are working with tunnelling specialist Morgan Est on the Lagan lookout carpark to sink an access shaft for the interceptor sewer being installed from Broadway to the docks. The 2 sites on Cromac St are part of this scheme also.

This 14 storey building that's being mentioned – might this be the one that I remember reading about in the Laganside 2006 Annual Report where it was refered to as "The Boat"?
Judging by the IB pdf pic it looks to be situated on the corner between McHughs and the bus station entrance, and there is a development site there next to the recruitment office/lifeboat bar (if it hasn't been demolished)

The 70m high tower is an office building with 17 floors proposed for the site of the college of business studies, Brunswick street. Obviously the new campus would have to be up and running before construction of this building could take place. The architects are again Todds. Does anybody know of anyone who works there, as they seem to have a lot of high rises on their drawing boards at the moment.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/untitled.jpg

Is this the one then? I have noticed the development site there and wondered what they were going to build. Is it definitely going ahead then?

It seems there are quite a few projects we dont know about lately! But considering how long it's taking for current ones, like Obel, Bedford sq, Aurora, etc. to get underway, it will be probably be another few years before we see any visible progress! Sorry to sound like a pessimist lol

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/beddiebyes/untitled.jpg

Is this the one then? I have noticed the development site there and wondered what they were going to build. Is it definitely going ahead then?

Yes, that's the one in the Investment Belfast Brochure.

The planning application for this was advertised on 26th June 2005.
It received approval from DOE & City Council Town Planning committee on 16th March 2006.

Z/2005/1291/F
Approval
Strangford Estates Ltd C/o Todd Architects, 41-43 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2PB
Corner of Queens Square and Donegall Quay, Belfast.
Erection of a mixed use development of bar/restaurant/office spaces/8 no. apartments and associated basement car parking.

Wow, I can't believe I never noticed that image in the pdf. The building will look really odd at first. Almost looks out of place in the image but eventually when the Obel goes up the two will really look well together.

By the way I am putting together a nice email for Todds to see if they will send me anything for futurebelfast. I got loads of floor plans etc from Niel Torps on the Soloist building recently. I just wish that Todds would have a more up to date website!

By the way if anyone isn't already signed up I got the first Titanic Quarter newsletter today. Not much info but the header image is a new one not on the website and they mention that the "first" webcam is up and running so hopefully that means there will be another watching the Gateway offices. I can't help a little peak every day, its almost an obsession but theres never much visible progress!! Maybe i'm just too impatient.

www.gatewayoffices.com is also working now.

EDIT:
I'm putting together the email for Todds but just wanted to check if anyone knew of anyother developments they are involved in other than:
CentrePoint (Bedford St)
16 - 20 Dunbar St
6 - 8 Tomb St
Gateway Office Complex (TQ)
Custom House Square
Thanks.

Wow, I can't believe I never noticed that image in the pdf. The building will look really odd at first. Almost looks out of place in the image but eventually when the Obel goes up the two will really look well together.

By the way I am putting together a nice email for Todds to see if they will send me anything for futurebelfast. I got loads of floor plans etc from Niel Torps on the Soloist building recently. I just wish that Todds would have a more up to date website!

By the way if anyone isn't already signed up I got the first Titanic Quarter newsletter today. Not much info but the header image is a new one not on the website and they mention that the "first" webcam is up and running so hopefully that means there will be another watching the Gateway offices. I can't help a little peak every day, its almost an obsession but theres never much visible progress!! Maybe i'm just too impatient.

www.gatewayoffices.com is also working now.

EDIT:
I'm putting together the email for Todds but just wanted to check if anyone knew of anyother developments they are involved in other than:
CentrePoint (Bedford St)
16 - 20 Dunbar St
6 - 8 Tomb St
Gateway Office Complex (TQ)
Custom House Square
Thanks.

As Bedford Sq phase 2 has now been approved -ask them if they know when work is going to start on site.

Which one is the Soloist building? Is that on futurebelfast? I cant find a pic of it.

EDIT:
I'm putting together the email for Todds but just wanted to check if anyone knew of anyother developments they are involved in other than:
CentrePoint (Bedford St)
16 - 20 Dunbar St
6 - 8 Tomb St
Gateway Office Complex (TQ)
Custom House Square
Thanks.


BIFHE complex Brunswick St-17 Storeys
47-55 King St- hotel 9 Storeys

The Soloist is this one (http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/2LanyonPlace.htm).

Have you anymore infor on the King Street Hotel 937delta. I have planning applications but thats it.

Z/2006/0335/F Approval

47-55 King Street & 98-100 Castle Street, Belfast

Hotel development comprising 123 no. bedrooms, plus ancillary uses- bar, dining kitchen and storage.

(amended scheme)

Yes that is the correct application, there is a tudor style building there, which will have be demolished. The development which has been approved, forms the corner with castle st has 10 floors including ground. Todd are the architects. The BIFHE complex is z/2007/0891 (which I saw and noted) however I cannot locate this through google and therefore I may have taken down the reference wrongly-I suppose a phone call to the planning office would confirm.

Thanks, I found this to do with the BIFHE site -
http://www.pacni.gov.uk/bmapstage1/objections/BMAP%202014.pdf

And just seen on the Planning website an application to be published in tomorrows Tele on the site:
0891/O
Land South of Franklin Street, east of Brunswick Street and west of Mc Clintock Street, Belfast.
Redevelopment of BIFHE Brunswick Street Campus as new office building, including commercial/retail uses at ground & first floor. Proposed new building to be up to 70 metres in height above ground level.

Guys im am new to this thread. Was reading through alot of you comments. Was wondering - Is there somewhere a list of all the residential development due to be released in Belfast in the next few yearsand poss. who is selling them. This info would be quite useful, as there is so much going on but i dont know if it exists.

just found futurebelfast.co.uk - very good.
Just need to keep an eye on release dates

Yeah futurebelfast is probably your best bet for that kind of info. There are links too to other sites.

Anyone have news on Obel's progress? I thought they would've started the tower by now! Has the completion date changed?

I noticed today that the demolition has begun of the old Law Society Building on Victoria Street – the replacement can be seen here:

http://www.hobartheron.com/assets/files/victoria-street-elevation.pdf

the architects are Hobart Heron.

Good see they are keeping the old bank on the corner - I thought it was a goner the other day as I drove past.

Image of a proposed Marriott Hotel by MAP Architects for the Gasworks site adjacent to Halifax Call Centre.

http://www.map-architects.com/Web-Pics/650_Dpi-Wide/Marriott%2001.jpg

I'm not sure if this is the one going ahead as CUSP have a different image on their website.

As far as i know the older stepped design office building has been swapped for the Mariott. The more recent planning app for the site is for a hotel so i assume thats whats happening.

Also, i noticed that the Obel site is completely boarded up including the entrance. It must be a while before works resumes if they have sealed it up like that.

Image taken yesterday showing work continuing on developments at Montgomery St, Gloucester St (topped out) & Victoria Sq (most of glazing installed in dome).

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb49/alman73/belfast/07062007253-01.jpg

Did anyone see on the news about the refurbishment of city centre streets? It should be completed by 2009, but they're only doing so many streets. I think it's really needed, alot of the streets around the main shopping areas are run-down. There's an exhibition about it at city hall on 25th June.

Here's the article:
http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/news/news.asp?id=921

This site has more info:
http://www.belfaststreetsaheadni.gov.uk/

New to the forum - Good job guys.

Saw that on the news yesterday - bout time!

Also press release on the DSD website http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/news_items/major-makover-belfast.htm

Look forward to contibuting to this forum

Also anybody have any more info on when OBEL will be complete. Seems like they have been at it for years and still not off the ground!

Saw the plans to Titanic Quarter - Looking great - what is the complete date for it?

For Phase I,
ARC Apartments - Late 2008
Gateway Office Complex - Late 2008
Hotel - Autumn 2008
Belfast Institute Campus - September 2009

Phase II has no definite completion dates announced yet.

And maybe its just my pessimistic view but the new public realm works will not last!! Within a year of new high quality paving being laid some utility company will come charging through and just fill it back in with tarmac. I don't know how the streets managed to get in the shape they are now but I just hope that no one is allowed to fill any whole in, no matter how small, with anything other than what was there before. Rant over...:lol:

Forgive me if this has been already discussed but could someone tell me were exactly the new murry tobacco works will be located. I been recking my head for the last half hour looking at the picture on Sky Scrapper News to figure out were it is!

www.futurebelfast.co.uk/MurraysTobaccoWorks.htm

I've highlighted the location using Google Earth. Just scoll down past the text and you'll see it. I was past the other day and there is no visible progress apart from the demolition of the non listed parts of the site at the rear. The very bottom pic was taken last week.

EDIT: I have just got some photos uploaded from last week - http://www.flickr.com/photos/futurebelfast/show/

Thanks for this G2GAP - I now know were it is!!

Just went down the ormeau road this morning, looks like the old curzon cinema site development is going to look great. Also further on down much work has been done on the old bakery site. The new appartments will add to the whole look and feel of the upper ormeau

Here's the website for the curzon appartments:

Curzon Studios (http://www.kwcl.co.uk/curzon.htm)

Im not too sure about what I think of them, i'm slightly irked by the fact they knocked down the old cinema

Yeah, I don't feel that they are anything special considering what once stood in their place. The building could be in any city in the UK and has nothing special about it and no defining features etc.

However I have to agree with you Belfast Boy that the Bakery apts will look fantastic when done. I assume they will keep the old clock as well. It must have been removed during construction. I also saw pictures of a new development to the right of the bakery on the corner but can't find them again - if anyone could help I would appreciate it.

I was also thinking that I might start to collect on image a day or every other day from the TQ webcam and when completed I will create a video feature of the ARC being constructed. I know it may not look as great as if it was done with the Obel but I think i'll try it anyway.

By the way, Todds didn't give much help other than to point me in the direction of three other projects. Unfortunately they aren't that interesting -Lincoln Avenue Health and wellbeing centre,
Lisburn Road Community and Treatment Centre,
Holywood Arches Community and Treatment Centre.

I had a feeling they didn't really get the point of the E-mail or look at the website. I resent the E-mail to explain a little more about what I was doing and what info would help but have not got a reply.

I guess i'll just have to try some other firms such as Ewarts etc. (I heard that they are selling the Stewart Street site for approx £25m.)

This is the site:
http://i9.************/6giljlv.jpg

It was to be...
- 72,000 sq ft office space
- 48 apartments
- 80 bed hotel
- 640 multi -storey car parking spaces

But the sale advert for the site talks of potential for 284 apts subject to planning. This was the planned building but I don't know what effect the sale will have on its being built or not.

http://i18.************/66md3ko.jpg
(Looking east towards Central Station)

Hey guys there is a tv show on bbc one tomorrow night about the building boom in belfast...

Building Britain: Belfast by Glenn...
Mon 18 Jun, 10:35 pm - 11:05 pm 30mins

...Patterson. Belfast is not exactly renowned for its harmony. Now after 30 years of war and destruction, Glenn Patterson explores a new city on the cusp of an image makeover. [S]

Thanks for that didnt know about it, will have to tune in! Hope it's more than just Obel, Victoria Square and Titantic Quarter they cover though!

Looks like an interesting programme, thanks.

Also, if you go to the victoria square (http://www.victoriasquare.com/construction)site they have some new construction photos of the dome posted.

Null Entry

no problem drakeguild, just PM your details and i'll send you a dvd.


EDIT: That was a good programme. I realise it was designed for those not in the know and therefore didn't provide that much detailed info for us but it was good all the same. I am going to get some stills from the recording soon. Some of the flyover graphics for the Titanic Quarter were pretty impressive and it looks like the two towers along the river may actually be closer to reality than I thought - I guess the presenter was right about us being a sceptical bunch!!

I noticed there is another development on the ormeau road where kwik fit is now near the bridge. It is from mcalister holdings and is on their website, in the development section under baroda street

I thought the programme was a little pessimistic, or at least the presenter didnt seem very enthusiastic, he was quite sombre about the whole thing! Anyway, looked pretty interesting and Titanic Quarter was impressive but I didnt realise just how big it's going to be!

Hello, I was wondering if anybody could get send me a copy of Building Britain (Belfast).
I live in Leeds and was only able to view the regional Building Britain programme.
I am originally from Belfast and am very interested in its development.

If you want to PM me mandrig I could help you.

I have just found an update on the Quay Gate (www.futurebelfast.co.uk/QuayGateCourt.htm)development at Middlepath St and some images so I created a new page on the site for them.

G2GAP - I would be interested as well if you could get me a copy of that programme, i unfortunately missed it!

Sirocco works site - Can anyone refresh me on what is happening with that? I saw a couple of plans - apartments along the lagan side and residential houses towards the back.

Was down past it the other day - looks as if they are building a road to the side of it as you come past the short strand side. Is this a temporary road or will it be a permanent fixture of the new development. Its seems as though it has been derelict land/car park for years now since they demolished the old building.

Also forest side - As far as i know a new multi storey car park is going up and the M&S building getting another level. But what is happening on the opposite side of the dual carriageway? To me it looks like another multi storey car park. If it is and it is for shoppers at forest side they have to put some sort of tunnel above or below ground to connect the two??

PM me Belfast Boy and I will try and help you.

Also, the Sirocco site (http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/Sirocco.htm)is supposed to be home to a new superstore for ASDA. It will be like a Wal Mart and have 2 floors for food and loads of none food stuff. The waterfront will have apartments and offices in 6/7 storey blocks and the retail will be behind that with car parking.

At Forestside the new building on the opposite side of the carriageway is something to do with either the hospital or a govt dept can 't remember at the moment but i'll try and find out.

Thank goodness someone dvd'd the Building Britain prog. I wonder if I could trouble you for a copy too please. Also, I'm new to all this malarkie. When you say "PM" you, what does that mean exactly?

G2GAP you should just set up a torrent for these guys...

programme was alright i was impressed by the size of the Titanic Quarter can anyone else mind him saying belfast city pop may double by 2025? to 400k or am i going mad?

Yeah you heard the population figures right. Belfast's population currently stands at approx 280,000 – though at it's peak in the 1950's it was over 400,000, and even by 1970 it was around that figure. Since then of course many people have moved out to surrounding areas like Lisburn, Newtownards, Bangor, Whiteabbey, Dundonald etc. which in turn have grew as a result. Think about it – to achieve these numbers, the powers that be will have to attract up to 10,000 people a year to settle/resettle in Belfast... you can't fault the ambition, but is it realistic?

[QUOTE=Death by Milkfloat;13826107]Yeah you heard the population figures right. Belfast's population currently stands at approx 280,000 –

The Belfast City Council area boundary is just an imaginary line in my head, I enter Belfast from the North at Jordanstown, NW at Mallusk, NE at Holywood, E at Dundonald, SE at Carryduff and S at Dunmurry. Now somebody must know what the Belfast population would be if these areas were included. I mean we have got it all wrong here, Belfast should be classified as the greater belfast area-isn't it time we thought a little bit bigger in this country. In UK terms Belfast as a population is on a power with Leicester we could do better than that if we changed the official boundary. I mean Belfast City bus routes extend to these areas. I am pretty sure tourists leaving Belfast would classify the full extent of the urban sprawl as Belfast.

I havent a clue how to do a torrent unfortunately.

I was looking at the TQ webcam this morning and noticed what looks to be the base for the first crane being put in place. That would really be progress for the sceptics!!

Got this off wikipedia-
In 2001, the Belfast urban area had a population of 579,276, which accounts for approximately one third of the population of Northern Ireland

Does anyone know what is going with the obel? has construction completey stopped?

Does anyone know what is going with the obel? has construction completey stopped?[/QUOTE]

The last I heard which was a couple of weeks ago, was that it is still being designed, a contractor has to be appointed. Therefore probably late July/August at the very very earliest, it may even drag out into the autumn. Lets face it, the way things are going Bedford Square may be completed first. What about that 13/14 storey custom house square building, it was due to start last month any word.

Just heard about 5 storey office building to be constructed at the NI Science park, backing onto Queens Rd, parallel to the Thompson Dock. (adjacent to the Queens ECIT building. Its either in, or is about to go in for planning. Apparently is to start this side of Christmas. Anybody heard anymore.

Sorry to be a little pedantic, but Belfast Urban Area has a population of roughly 280,000...Belfast Metropolitan Area has a population of around 580,000 (and this takes in Lisburn and most of North Down). :)
Regardless of where one sees the boundaries of Belfast (and yes, Dundonald, Carryduff, Dunmurry et al. are effectively suburbs of Greater Belfast).. the intention appears to be to actually increase the population of Belfast City (not move more people into the 'burbs) by at least 100-200,000 people by 2025 – an increase of up to 10,000 people a year. Whether that means an increase from 280,000 to 400,000+, or from 580,000 to 750,000 depending on boundaries is irrelevant – it's still ambitious, and the original point is still valid – it means actually increasing the size of the city population, not massaging the figures to give the impression of a larger city by redefining the boundaries.

Under the review of public administration as far as I am aware currently as it stands belfast city council area is to be extended to the west and south east taking parts of Lisburn City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council. So naturally by definition the population of Belfast city will increase when this happens.

Also there are many minority ethnic groups and migrants workers coming to our shores. Additional to this many young people are coming back to Belfast after being away for years. Also I remember reading there has been relatively quite a large baby boom over last few years and this trend is set to continue in the future. This all coupled with longer life expectancy will indeed result in a larger population base for our city.

In saying this in order to deal with this higher demand upon the infrastructure by this population increase new buildings must be built! Lets hope they add to the look and feel of the city.

Work has started on the 14 storey for custom house square (well what we think is the site for). The hoarding has been re-done and diggers are there. Its such a small site, it will be interesting to see what rises here. If it takes up the area of the site, it will be very slender, so maybe we are in for some sort of cantilevered structure above 1st floor level. Maybe this cantilever will go over part of the bus station parking area. Or is that bar (the life boat or something) to be demolished. If this is the 14 storey one I wonder which building will reach 14 floors first, this one or Obel.

Also seems to be some diggers at gasworks site adjacent to the ormeau road/ormeau avenue junction ... what is going there again?

Also seems to be some diggers at gasworks site adjacent to the ormeau road/ormeau avenue junction ... what is going there again?

I think that is just work on the sewers or water pipes or something like that, same as beside the lagan lookout

I was driving down the Ormeau Road last night and there look to be quite a few building and construction sites going on! There is one called The Bakery I think, which looks like new apartments. Odd name lol Im bored waiting on Obel, they really need to get it together now!

Along the Ormeau road there is the Ormeau Bakery (www.futurebelfast.co.uk/Bakery.htm)development, the Curzon (http://www.futurebelfast.co.uk/CurzonApartments.htm)cinema development.

There is also 55-71 Ormeau Rd (5th development on this page (www.futurebelfast.co.uk/DevelopmentsComingSoon.htm))

And the Baroda development on the corner of Ormeau Rd which is apts on the upper floor and retail on the ground floor.

http://i17.************/6f621rl.jpg

The work at the Gasworks is part of the sewer project - there are a couple of other sites as well. The work is being done by Farrans and Morgan something or other...

Also, it seems I was wrong about seeing the base of a crane being constructed in the ARC at TQ. It was just the metal frame for concrete to be poured.

Just wondering if anyone has an image of the masterplan for the titanic quarter for phases 1-5?... it used to be up on futurebelfast but the links seem to broke now.

Any photos on update Obel?

Just wondering if anyone has an image of the masterplan for the titanic quarter for phases 1-5?... it used to be up on futurebelfast but the links seem to broke now.

They should be up on the titanic quarte website - www.titanicquarter.com (http://www.titanicquarter.com)

or the architects website - www.civicart.com (http://www.civicart.com)

Here's some images of the OMAC (Old Museum Arts Centre) building which is part of the St Anne's Square development..
The international competition to design the building was won by Belfast architects Hackett & Hall.

http://www.riba.org/fileLibrary/jpg/Hackett_Hall_front_small.jpg

http://www.riba.org/fileLibrary/jpg/Hackett_Hall_section_small.jpg

thanks phases 3-5 are not up on the titanic quarter website but i did find them here... http://www.civicart.com/civicarts.php

phases 3-5 are still at the early design stage but look very impressive! glad to see the cranes staying.

http://www.civicart.com/images/TQB/TQB-Combined-Masterplan.jpg

http://www.civicart.com/images/TQB/TQB_Artists-Impression-.jpg

These latest images, placed by Ulster, show the 'Samson' and 'Goliath' in a sort of landscaped marina area, also H&W's fit out/repair yard at the head of Queens Island, seems to be apartments. Is H&W shutting down or moving elsewhere. I know there is a little industrial area RHS, but I don't think there are any cranes there any more, as they were taken down some 15 years ago. This area from Victoria Park looking west had a wonderful industrial feel to it with loads of cranes set against the Divis/Black Mountain range (sort of like a Lowry picture). Now it would seem to be heading, for an Orlando/Las Vegas feel. A large themed park of apartments not disimilar to any other city in the world. The old industrial heritage of Belfast may be destroyed forever, the planners would need to be carefull. I think the original area LHS is fine its just this expanse to the right, they would need to carefull.

There are two articles in today's Belfast Telegraph, one is about Harvard Uni having plans for major redevelopment all around the Odyssey area and Quay Gate. The other is an update on Titanic Quarter.

These latest images, placed by Ulster, show the 'Samson' and 'Goliath' in a sort of landscaped marina area, also H&W's fit out/repair yard at the head of Queens Island, seems to be apartments. Is H&W shutting down or moving elsewhere. I know there is a little industrial area RHS, but I don't think there are any cranes there any more, as they were taken down some 15 years ago. This area from Victoria Park looking west had a wonderful industrial feel to it with loads of cranes set against the Divis/Black Mountain range (sort of like a Lowry picture). Now it would seem to be heading, for an Orlando/Las Vegas feel. A large themed park of apartments not disimilar to any other city in the world. The old industrial heritage of Belfast may be destroyed forever, the planners would need to be carefull. I think the original area LHS is fine its just this expanse to the right, they would need to carefull.

Phases 3-5 are being revised and these are only visionary plans as far as i knw. As far as H&W goes i think it will close down totally in the near future, the land is simply more valuable for other uses. In the long run it is for the best as many times more jobs will be created through redevelopment.

The Belfast skyline is set to change forever with the demolition of three of the city's tallest chimneys.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42472000/jpg/_42472882_chimneys-203.jpg
The station, which cost £15m to build, was the largest electrical generating plant in Ireland when it opened in 1961.

Watch live from 18.50 . (real player)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6270000/newsid_6278500/6278540.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm

The 240ft chimneys, which overlook Belfast Lough, will be brought down in a series of controlled explosions at 1900 BST on Friday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6278312.stm

Here's a few artists impressions of the streetscaping project to give the city centre a makeover:

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/ann-st.jpg

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/arthur-st.jpg

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/castle-lane.jpg

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/corn-market.jpg

You can find these and night time impressions here:

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/urcdg-urban_regeneration/belfast-streetsahead/belfast-streetsahead-gallery.htm

They look a little soulless to me – a few trees wouldn't go amiss (though perhaps security considerations may be a factor). Mind you, anything would be an improvement over the present state of Belfast's "public realm"...

£50m plan to build five new hotels



Leading Ulster hotelier Lord Diljit Rana today unveiled plans to build five more hotels in the province.

His Andras House company is to spend £50m developing the hotels under the Ibis brand, which is new to Northern Ireland.

The first of the new hotels is to be built in Belfast's King Street - and construction is set to get under way within the next few weeks.

The other locations have yet to be decided but Andras House, which already operates four hotels in the province, said the rollout will generate 200 new jobs.

The first Ibis in Belfast, with 120 bedrooms, should be open for business in autumn 2008.

Lord Rana said: "This important strategic investment indicates our confidence in the growth potential of the tourist industry throughout Northern Ireland. We have already acquired a site in Belfast and are actively seeking locations in provincial centres.

"I believe that the future for tourism here is excellent, especially now local politicians are back in government and in a position to help create the conditions in which investment in the industry's infrastructure will flourish."

The expansion programme is expected to create 500 new hotel bedrooms across the province, doubling the number of rooms the group already has here.

"We look forward to working closely with the Executive in measures to accelerate the growth of an industry which has massive potential in terms of wealth creation and employment," Lord Rana said.

more at

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/article2748263.ece

Revealed: the £630m future of Belfast Port



Belfast Harbour Commissioners have unveiled a £630m plan to extend the Port of Belfast by reclaiming a further 120 acres of land from Belfast Lough over the next 20 years.

The announcement was made as a report was published outlining the port's contribution to Ulster's economy.

The report, drawn up by the London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicted that investment by the port would enable the local economy to support an additional 46,300 jobs by 2010.

more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/article2737921.ece

A while ago someone asked what was going on across the road from Forestside, well here it is:
http://www.farrans.com/filestore/documents/Castlereagh.jpg
It's Castlereagh Community Treatment and Care Centre.

Two new developments from Deramore Property group;

Student apartments, Lisburn Road:
http://www.deramore.co.uk/deramore/images/listing_photos/62_pic1.jpg

7-11 Castle Lane:
http://www.deramore.co.uk/deramore/images/listing_photos/59_render_big_5.jpg

Death by milk float that was me asking!!

It actually looks quite good and work is progressing well there. Thanks for the pics.

A big hole has been dug at forestsides new multi-storey car park.

Did anyone see BBC news last nite around 6.45? They were covering Titanic Quarter, looked impressive, but from what they were saying they apparently want to have it finished for 2012?! Seems a lot to undertake in 5 years...especially when other smaller projects like Victoria Square, Obel, Aurora etc are taking so long, I cant see TQ being finished in five years...

Null Entry

I didn't see the news last night, but was wondering if perhaps the 2012 completion date didn't refer to the Titanic Signature Project only – this has been pencilled in because it would tie in with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's maiden voyage. On the Belfast Telegraph website it says that assessors from the Big Lottery Fund living Landmarks Programme are in Belfast today and tomorrow to ascertain the projects suitability for a 25 million grant – though there is competition from various other projects across the UK and the 2012 Olympics

the Telegraph article can be found here:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2773569.ece

There's some nice artists impressions on there too, but I can't get 'em to show up on here...

Null Entry

Armagh House on Ormeau Avenue is going to be turned into appartments/ hotel

http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/news_items/regeneration-scheme-will-bring-new-aparthotel-to-belfast.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6911626.stm


http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/armagh-house.gif

Just read that article ... Looks interesting

Just out of interest, has anybody heard any more news on the Harvard University's Belfast Recast Studio? Apparently they have planned to move the assembly out of stormont and into the city centre, build a hge new rail station on top of the short strand (wonder do the stranders know this) and create a new 'mid-town' capitol district. So far I like the principle behind their big thinking etc but just like Titanic Quarter and Eric Kuhne, I am not sure that letting Americans loose in the city is such a good idea, their track record on cities is pretty poor. But like I said, their bold ideas are interesting and Belfast does deserve world class redevelopment... just something that is trully Belfast, not American...

Also have found out tha Conor Murphy wants to create a rapid-trasit network throughout Belfast, not just the EWAY and CITI routes in east belfast. I agree, seperate routes dont make much sense. They should follow every important arterial route. His plans are for and extension to the Malone and Falls Road corridors, but I think new routes such as the Shankill/Crumlin Roads and the Antrim Road should be explored.

New Vision Of Belfast's Urban Future Unveiled
3rd July 2007

Experts from Harvard's Graduate School of Design in Massachusetts are in Belfast this week to showcase their visionary ideas for recasting the face of the city in the new century.

The findings of the 'Belfast Recast' studio conducted at Harvard's Graduate School of Design (GSD) were unveiled by Professor Richard Sommer, who is the Director of Harvard's Urban Design Program, the study examines design issues central to Belfast's metropolitan future.

Professor Sommer is also undertaking a long-term study of urbanisation in Northern Ireland and Belfast in his capacity as a visiting American Scholar and O'Hare Chair in Property Development and Design at the University of Ulster.

Professor Sommer said: "The city of Belfast has recently undertaken many impressive and significant projects, but is at serious risk of not achieving enough synergies between all these new investments. There is still too much of a 'silo' mentality: sites come up for development and projects proceed without any way to measure or guide the contribution they might make to the Big Picture. And there needs to be a Big Picture through which to proceed, even if in acknowledging the pluralities of interest in Modern Belfast (and actually in any city), this picture may have to be comprised of several overlapping frames.

"This is what Urban Design, properly conceived, does best: creatively reveal not only needed relationships between new and old parts of cites, but that there may even be some important parts that are missing and need to be designed.

"In some ways, Belfast has been studied to death by planners and economic consultants: yet they end up offering the same solutions one finds applied everywhere, without having really engaged what makes Belfast physically and culturally unique.

"Here, just like everywhere else, people are always using the term 'vision' to talk about the future of cities, but to be frank, from a visual, design perspective the proposals and plans that have been offered are either terribly thin, or incomplete, or both.

"How many citizens understand, let alone find something to be inspired by in BMAP (the Belfast Area Metropolitan Plan, currently under public review)? In a democracy, planning schemes should engage the public in such a way that they can see their interests addressed and their futures enriched. While market and real estate interests are the engines behind urban development today, these forces, by nature, act in an ad hoc way. Working with the market, the design and planning community must provide a creative framework to work within, or as I have said a compelling, big picture.

"While I have been looking at the whole city in the context of Ireland, the Belfast Recast Studio, conducted with students at Harvard, has focused on how to forge better networks between the existing city centre, surrounding neighborhoods and upcoming port area developments, including the Titanic Quarter project. The proposals the students and I are presenting capitalise on the unique characteristics and waterfront setting of the industrial quays, and show the transformation potential of new forms of architecture, re-contoured landscapes, and new ecological corridors and waterways.

"One preliminary proposal envisions the creation of a mid-city Capitol district, which relocates the Northern Ireland parliament out of Stormont to a key location in Belfast."

The study group includes Professor Sommer, his colleague Dan Adams and three interdisciplinary teams of advanced graduate students from Harvard‚s Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design programs.

Professor Jim Berry, of UU's School of the Built Environment said: "Our linkage with the Harvard Graduate School of Design has been a very positive experience for education in Northern Ireland. It has provided an excellent learning opportunity for the University to work with global experts in bringing innovative design thinking to bear on key sites across Northern Ireland and has promoted linkages between the academic, public and private sectors focused on the intensive study of the challenges offered by mixed use sites and the creative reuse of the urban fabric of our cities."

"The 'Belfast Recast' Studio centered on the Titanic and harbour areas and provides an exciting opportunity to project innovative urban design possibilities for the regeneration of one of the largest mixed use waterfront development sites in Europe as well as engaging and enriching students who will be the next generation of leading experts in the planning, design and development of our environment."
For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Public Affairs
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk

I don't agree with moving Stormont, I do understand for some it's remote but it's one of the most impressive government buildings in Europe and the mile drive is stunning.

I think it would be a waste of money moving and building a new parliament in the centre of Belfast. The money could be used for other things. That area could benefit from the regeneration imagined, but not as a 'capital' district.

That's my view anyways.....anyone agree or disagree??

I am for moving the parliament, however I always thought that the markets should be demolished and the new government building located facing down Oxford St. An avenue would be constructed from Bridge St/Stewart St parallel with railway line, until it hits the gas works, then round onto Cromac st. The railway/gasworks side of this road would have 5-6 storey apartments/office with bars/restaurants, trendy shops on ground floor, hotels etc. These would be backing out onto railway line/gasworks. All these buildings would be fronting onto the avenue, which would have a large park. No whackey sculptures or large paved areas, just a park with tarmac walkways, grass and native broadleaf trees (Hyde Park/Central Park etc). In the middle and facing down Oxford St a classically designed parliament building. The traffic would be all one way ie down Oxford St, turn left BTtower on left parliament/park to right, straight on to station or right onto new avenue. Follow avenue round to Cromac st turn Left for Ormeau Av/Ormeau Rd/Gasworks, turn right for Victoria st/M2 etc Cromac st oneway Northbound only.

Following on from previous post. Existing Parliament buildings at Stormont could become a 1. a museum 2. a luxury 5* hotel and spa, Dundonald house a large hotel, Stormont castle part of the luxury main hotel etc etc. Don't forget that they are going to be sold off, then rented back to the government anyway. With these hotels up there, the offices would be transfered down into the city centre. Providing us with hopefully a few 40 floorers. This all will happen if we persuade enough people. Just keep talking about it and it will happen.

Why move it
the money spent on the new Scottish parliament was astronomical, was in proportion far worst than Wembly's cost over run. The money would be far better spent in the regions in vesting in local facilities if you must spend some money.

Why move it
the money spent on the new Scottish parliament was astronomical, was in proportion far worst than Wembly's cost over run. The money would be far better spent in the regions in vesting in local facilities if you must spend some money.

Selling off the Stormont estate, and considering the maintenance costs involved at stormont would generate a substantial sum to invest in a new building. Planning permission could be applied for to develope high class housing/apartments at a non contentious location within the grounds, before selling off the estate, which would generate more millions. The Scottish Parliament was extremely overly complicated and pretentious. A more simple but building architecturaly pleasing to the eye would not be as costly. From a social point of view it would bring the govermnent down in amongst the people.

1773/F 69-71 Great Victoria Street, Belfast. Proposed 13 storey mixed use development with ground floor retail and 48 apartments above.

This development is currently a building adjacent to the south side of the surface level parking on the site of the proposed Lincoln Centre.

And this from a couple of weeks ago:

1030/O 75-81 Castle Street, Town Parks, Belfast
Erection of 12 storey mixed development of retail, office and residential.

1773/F 69-71 Great Victoria Street, Belfast. Proposed 13 storey mixed use development with ground floor retail and 48 apartments above.

This development is currently a building adjacent to the south side of the surface level parking on the site of the proposed Lincoln Centre.

Previous applications for this site:

1997-06-20 69 Great Victoria Street 7 storey office block & resturant

1999-05-14 55 - 85 Great Victoria Street, 44 - 78 Sandy Row, Hope St. + Wellwood St. Mixed use complex with hotel, entertainment centre, cinemas, fitness centre, retail units, resturants, commercial unit, apartments, offices & associated parking & access

2002-07-19 1648/F 55 - 85 Great Victoria Street, 44 - 78 Sandy Row, Hope St. + Wellwood St. 14 Storey office development - corporate headquarters building

2002-08-16 1655/F 55 - 85 Great Victoria Street, 44 - 78 Sandy Row, Hope St. + Wellwood St. Multistorey car park with access to Wellwood St

Seems to have been pretty quiet lately! I thought there would be some progress on Obel or Bedford Square pahse 2 by now? There are diggers etc on site at St Anne's Square now so it should start going up soon.

Does anyone know what is happening with this monster...

http://i19.************/6c81agy.jpg

It seems such a prime site for developing yet it has lay empty for years.

I agree JohnnyNI, however that is probably due to the fact that most of the building at the minute are at foundation work stages. For example, Clarence St West, Graffan House, the two Custom House Sq sites, Four Corners, etc. It isn't very interesting watching these stages I find. I prefer to see real progress in height!!

Victoria Sq will soon look pretty much complete from the outside. Probably by November as this is when the lane closures around the site are due to end (according to the Roads Service site).

Obel really annoys me however and I would like to know what the apt owners are being told...

Unfortunately I never get a chance to go round to the James Clow site to see whats happening - can anyone fill me in?

Also, is anyone else having problems viewing the TQ webcam because it has been frozen for quite some time now on my computer.

I've been wondering about that Shaftesbury Square eyesore meself! and the derelict office block on the Lisburn Road facing the (Methody?) prep school – though I think there is a proposal for student apartments on that site.
I've noticed the probs with the TQ webcam too – it's been like that for a while now..

I've been wondering about that Shaftesbury Square eyesore meself! and the derelict office block on the Lisburn Road facing the (Methody?) prep school – though I think there is a proposal for student apartments on that site.
I've noticed the probs with the TQ webcam too – it's been like that for a while now..

The office block on the lisburn road has been approved for a block of student apartments. I saw a render of a it a while back now just cant think where. As for Shaftesbury Square the site must be worth a fortune im guessing there having trouble with planning issues.

It looks like the building beside the grand opera house is going ahead now. I'm not sure if it is still the same design as below, I dont think it is, because the building below was designed by Robinson Mcilwaine and in the press release they have stated that it will designed by halliday ramsay.

http://www.rmi.uk.com/images/projects/commercial/grhs/slides/slide_3.jpg

heres some info on it -

The soon-to-be 131 room Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, set to open in February 2009, will be located on a key site on Great Victoria Street adjacent to the Grand Opera House in the heart of Belfast's thriving tourism area.

The development site and hotel are owned by Belfast business woman June Burgess through her property company Graffan Properties Ltd and will be managed by Hotel Partners, under the Fitzwilliam brand.

Work on this new hotel brings with it a significant investment in the Belfast hospitality sector of approximately £20 million (€30 million approximately) and the creation of over 100 jobs - a huge boost to the hotel industry in Northern Ireland. This luxury hotel will exude all of the glamour, sophistication and impeccable customer service of its sister property in Dublin

June Burgess who released part of the original site to the Grand Opera House which enabled it to carry out its extension said: "I am delighted to join in this venture with Hotel Partners. I had a number of approaches from other excellent hotel chains but in the end the way that they have managed the Fitzwilliam in Dublin fitted my hopes exactly. The hotel will complete the development of this site and I look forward to working closely with The Grand Opera House to provide unique facilities for conferences, theatre nights etc."

Located at the city centre end of Belfast's Golden Mile, The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast will be the ideal spot for both business and leisure travellers to Northern Ireland's thriving capital city. The hotel is just a short walk to an array of cultural spots including City Hall, the Old Museum Arts Centre, Linen Hall Library and the Crown Liquor Saloon (featured in the classic James Mason movie 'Odd Man Out'). It is also close to the central shopping area at Royal Avenue, the soon to be opened Victoria Square Complex and a wide array of restaurants and style bars.

The hotel, comprising 131 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites will also have a superbly appointed penthouse suite overlooking the city sights. Designed by noted architect Ian Halliday, from the firm of Halliday Ramsay, with interiors mirroring the look and style of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (originally designed by Christopher Ash who will be working on the interior of the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast with design firm Project Orange), the Fitzwilliam Belfast promises to be a stunning addition to the Belfast hotel sector.

"We envisage that the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast will become the number one choice among savvy travellers to Belfast as well as local residents and event organizers," said John Kavanagh, Project Manager, The Fitzwilliam, Belfast and General Manager, The Fitzwilliam, Dublin. "The hotel's remarkable location will thrill our guests, as will the quality and level of furnishings, amenities and service provided. Our commitment to highly personalised care will be our hallmark, yielding individualized experiences that will be true memory-makers for every one of our guests," he added.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Group currently operates the 5 star Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin and the commencement of work on the Belfast property marks the start of a roll-out for the Fitzwilliam brand. Expansion plans will see the eventual opening of several select hotels under the Fitzwilliam brand.

Looks well, if they do use that design. Great Victoria St is shaping up to be very impressive highrise-wise lol Seems to be a lot of projects for there, starting from the College Court building and up to Aurora.

Speaking of the Golden Mile, they'd need to think about refurbishing some of the shops/buildings further on up, just past the Aurora site heading towards Shaftesbury Square, as it looks rundown in places. THEN it would be a Golden Mile!

Some recent planning applications of note

from 17th August:

1773/F 55 Ormeau Road, Malone Lower, Belfast (Readvertisement)
7 storey mixed use development comprising basement car-park, ground floor retail (Class A1)/ restaurant unit, 10 no. office units over two floors and 40 no. apartments over four floors (amended plans received).

1867/RM Land at Queens Road, adjacent to Abercorn Basin and junction of Sydenham Road and Old Channel Road, Belfast.
Erection of hotel (123 no. bedrooms), including bar and restaurant facilities,
car parking and associated site works.

1840/DCA 75 Upper Arthur Street, Town Parks, Belfast
Demolition of ex 2 storey building to provide new seven storey building - ground floor class 1 retail with six storey office accommodation over.

1900/LB Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast Erection of temporary ‘big wheel’ in the grounds of the city hall (November 2007- February 2008)
1901/F Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast Erection of temporary ‘big wheel’ in the grounds of the City Hall (November 2007-February 2008 duration)

and from 24th August:

2044/F Olive Tree House, 23-31 Fountain Street, Belfast (Readvertisement)
Demolition of existing building and erection of new 7 storey building, retail on ground and first floor with offices on upper floors. (Amended Scheme)

1880/O The building formerly known as Whitehall Tobacco Works, Linfield Road, Belfast. The site is bounded by Sandy Row, Linfield Road, Sturgeon Street and N.I railways.
Mixed use development to include 328 No. apartments, 9 No. dwellings, 5No. offices, church hall and associated roads and car parking.

The Whitehall Tobacco Works building is, I assume, the same as Murray's Tobacco Works.