PART of one of south Belfast's most iconic church buildings - the Good Shepherd Centre off Ormeau Road - has gone on sale with a price tag just short of £2 million.
The Down and Connor diocese has instructed commercial agents O'Connor Kennedy Turtle (OKT) to sell the building, which is based in one of Belfast’s most sought-after residential areas.
The holding for sale occupies a site of 1.3 acres and comprises the former Good Shepherd Centre, a gate lodge, car parking and landscaped gardens, with access from the Carolan Road.
The Good Shepherd Centre, adjoining the church, comprises a four storey building formerly used for office accommodation, with access available from two main entrance lobbies.
The office accommodation is arranged over ground, first and second floors with storage space found in the attic. The accommodation comprises a number of cellular offices, with larger meeting rooms and staff facilities and WCs throughout.
The sale also includes the two-storey Good Shepherd gate lodge at the Ormeau/Ravenhill Road roundabout, currently occupied by the Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust (BBPT).
The listed building, which was originally completed in 1867, was part of a convent site occupied by the Good Shepherd Sisters.
It lay derelict for many years and was placed on a 'buildings at risk register', but was restored to its former glory in 2008.
Externally the holding occupies a stunning setting overlooking landscaped gardens and the site benefits from parking availability for 35 cars.
OKT director Brian Turtle told the Irish News: "This is a really unique proposition, and while the initial asking price is £1.75 million, I'd expect that to go higher.
"Only when prospective buyers see this superb building can they possibly appreciate its beauty.
"It was constructed in the 1850s with the external walls of a solid masonry construction comprising sandstone detailing.
"This isn't a crumbling old heap, but a superbly maintained structure which developers with a passion for preserving historic buildings will do a wonderful job with.
"Structurally, it is in quite exceptional order," Mr Turtle added.
He said the property will be sold with a covenant restricting the use of the site and buildings for professional office and residential purposes only.
"This area is a short distance from the city centre and boasts a wide and varied selection of cafes and restaurants , along with shopping at the nearby Forestside shopping centre.
"The Ormeau Road is considered one of Belfast’s best known throughfares and is overflowing with amenities, services and eateries, and it also benefits from a wealth of leisure and outdoor spaces."
