A MAJOR hybrid residential and commercial regeneration project for Belfast’s Gasworks site has taken a significant step forward.
Plans have been submitted by Belfast City Council and Radius Housing to develop a number of areas between The Markets and the south Belfast business park.
It will see 94 new homes built close to the city centre in a £13 million social housing-led investment by Radius, described as the largest housing development in the inner city for a generation.
Meanwhile Belfast City Council is seeking outline planning approval for an expansion to the office end of the Gasworks site, that will open the door to new commercial development.
Those plans propose three new mixed use blocks, ranging from three storeys to eight storeys.
A large six storey 70,000 sq ft commercial building is also included in the plans along a with a 43,000 sq ft multi-storey car park.
Alongside office and commercial space, it’s understood the buildings will be designed to cater for social enterprises, community infrastructure and employment facilities.
The outline plans also provide for what appears to be a 71,000 sq ft expansion of the 120-bed Radisson Blu hotel.
The hotel and the adjoining 60,000 sq ft Lighthouse building next door went on the market last year for around £16 million.
The hotel has been under a 20-year management agreement with SAS/Rezidor Hotels since 2004.
It’s understood that the hotel is currently under offer.
Radius Housing said it is seeking full planning permission to develop two areas of the Gasworks for social housing. It will include houses ranging from two to four bedrooms, along with 34 two-bedroom apartments.
The housing provider said the homes will be developed with their own private gardens, with each apartment including private balcony space, along with other communal green space throughout the sites.
Anita Conway, director of development at Radius Housing, said: “This redevelopment and regeneration proposal is an important project for the Gasworks, the surrounding community and for the whole city.
“We have been engaging with the local community for some time, and we have listened carefully to their views on the type of regeneration needed.
“The housing need in this area is clear, and we are confident that the design of the 94 high quality homes across two sites will help to address this issue.”
Fionntán Hargey of the Market Development Association said the scheme will be the largest housing development in inner city Belfast for a generation.
“It will be a game changer for the Market and for Belfast as a whole, and represents a commitment to maintain and sustain working class communities at the heart of Belfast.”
