Business

Developer launches bid for major housing scheme at west Belfast industrial estate

The Kennedy Enterprise Centre on the site subject to the Benmore Group’s bid to build 144 homes. Image: Google
The Kennedy Enterprise Centre on the site subject to the Benmore Group’s bid to build 144 homes. Image: Google The Kennedy Enterprise Centre on the site subject to the Benmore Group’s bid to build 144 homes. Image: Google

A SEVEN acre site at a west Belfast industrial estate could be turned into a major housing development under new plans.

Belfast City Council has been notified of the proposal to build around 144 homes in the Kennedy Way Industrial Estate.

The site, which sits next to the Lidl and Asda stores at the Westwood retail complex, is currently home to the Kennedy Enterprise Centre.

The applicant, Johncorp (No1) Limited, is a subsidiary of the Benmore Group, the developer behind the adjacent Westwood retail scheme, which is anchored by Asda and B&M.

The group is ultimately controlled by veteran Belfast developer Kevin McKay.

The Blackstaff Road development is at an early stage, with Benmore submitting a proposal of application notice (PAN) to the council.

A PAN is typically the starting point for major development schemes, ahead of the submission of a full planning application.

Aerial view of the development site in west Belfast.
Aerial view of the development site in west Belfast. Aerial view of the development site in west Belfast.

It involves a public consultation exercise, which can inform the final nature of the proposal.

In its current form, the bid is for a social housing led development, comprising of a mix of 144 dwellings, vehicular access, open space, landscaping and associated site works.

Benmore is due to hold an online consultation from the end of July, with a webinar pencilled in for August 5 2021.