A REVISED application has been submitted to redevelop an historic city centre building in a multi-million pound scheme set to bring 500 construction jobs to Belfast.
Details emerged yesterday of plans to convert the Renaissance-style Ewart building in Bedford Street, which has lain vacant for over 20 years after initially being part of a master plan for the redevelopment of Bedford Square, initiated by the building of the new Invest NI headquarters in 2005.
Yesterday a spokesman for property developers McAleer & Rushe confirmed that revised plans for the area would include a 15-storey building next to the flagship Invest NI building which, along with the refurbished Ewart property, would provide office space for around 2,000 people.
"The net lettable space is close to 200,000 square feet and we expect the entire project will lead to upwards of 500 construction jobs," he said.
"It is an exciting development because it is a sure sign of renewed confidence in the economy that a scheme like this can now be brought forward.
"During the property crash a lot of major development schemes were stopped in their tracks but now we are starting to see movement again."
It is believed the 'new' will seamlessly link with the 'old' via a sympathetic, integral architectural scheme joining Ewart House with the new building which will also feature a number of retail units on the ground floor.
"The bulk of the building will be grade 'A' office accommodation, but it is also envisaged it will also incorporate some retail space at ground level," the spokesman added.
The new high-rise block will be based in the empty space behind the historic property which was once destined to be transformed into a boutique hotel.
This proposal was originally granted approval but has now been scrapped in favour of the new scheme which endeavours to make Bedford Street "one of the most attractive and sought after office addresses in Belfast", according to sources.
A design and access statement submitted by the company, says the Ewart building is the only remaining part of the former Ewart's linen manufacturing complex from the late 1800s.
Built in a Glasgow Venetian style by Glasgow architect James Hamilton, the iconic building dates from 1867 and has a corner entrance with a circular hall marked by a domed tempietto.
