AN iconic former linen warehouse in Belfast that has lain empty for a quarter of a century is to be re-developed into offices.
Belfast City Council’s planning committee last night granted permission for the refurbishment of the listed Ewart Building on Bedford Street.
The permission was granted as part of phase two of the Bedford Square development, which includes a new 17-storey tower to the back of the Ewart Building and a new square on Bedford Street.
Councillor Peter Johnston, chair of the planning committee, said he was pleased the building will be in use again.
"It is great to see this important historic building being brought back into use, and in a way which will see it play its part in the continued development and prosperity of the city, just as it did when it was first built in 1870," he said.
Construction company McAleer & Rushe is behind the Bedford Square development, the first phase of which was completed in 2006 and is home to the headquarters of Invest Northern Ireland.
The company said work on the development is expected to begin in the coming months.
Stephen Surphlis, property director at McAleer & Rushe, said: "This planning approval is a welcome boost to the Belfast office market, with the second phase of Bedford Square bringing a landmark building back into active use after many years of vacancy and helping to alleviate the shortage of grade A space in the city".
The planning committee also granted permission for new facilities at two football clubs.
Donegall Celtic FC in west Belfast was given the go-ahead for the extension of its existing stand and the installation of a 3G surface at its Suffolk Road ground.
Harland and Wolff Welders FC in east Belfast will build a new clubhouse and 200-seat stand at its ground at Blanchflower Playing Fields.
The committee also granted approval for the conversion of the listed Malone Exchange building on the Lisburn Road into nine apartments.
