BELFAST City Council looks set to approve Queen’s University’s planning application to build a new students’ union, just four months after the application was submitted.
The £30m project will see the demolition of the existing building on University Road, with the construction of a new student centre featuring space for shops, cafes, bars and events.
The major planning application was lodged in May. Belfast City Council’s planning committee will consider a report from its planning officials on Tuesday recommending a green light for the major scheme.
First built in 1967, Queen’s Student Union was redeveloped in 2005.
The new centre, set to be completed by 2021, will include 120,000 sq ft of space over four storeys.
The university said its new glass-fronted design, albeit modern, will integrate with the nearby listed buildings and surrounding streetscape.
In May, the university confirmed that the new student’s union will retain Mandela Hall as the name of a new entertainment venue.
Belfast City Council officials’ recommendation is subject to a number of conditions linked to the fact the proposed demolition will take place inside a conservation area.
Meanwhile, Co Tyrone developer McAleer and Rushe looks to set to secure planning approval for a £14m student accommodation development close to Queen’s University.
Subject so a section 76 agreement, which typically requires a developer agree to a financial or practical contribution to an area, Belfast planning officials have described the 15 storey project as acceptable.
If passed by the committee on Tuesday evening, it will pave the way for the demolition of the existing buildings on Little Victoria Street, to make way for the 274-unit development close to the former Movie House Cinema on the Dublin Road.
