THE Custom House, one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings, has been put up for sale by its owners, Watford-based property management company Mapeley.
The grade B+ listed building was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, one of Belfast’s leading architects and built by D & J Fulton between 1854 and 1857.
Located at Custom House Square, which is now one of Belfast’s most popular outdoor leisure and event spaces, hosting regular concerts and public events, it is surrounded by some of the city’s oldest and most historic buildings including the Albert Clock, Corn Exchange and McHugh’s Bar.
“Custom House is an iconic building in the heart of Belfast city centre, and it is rare that a property of such historic importance comes to market,” its selling agents Frazer Kidd and Osborne King said.
“Although the premises are currently being utilised as office accommodation, the building lends itself to refurbishment and alternative uses such as a hotel or residential accommodation, subject to planning approval.
“The site is within walking distance to many of Belfast’s main attractions and we are confident it will generate a lot of interest from prospective buyers.”
Split over two levels, it has an internal floor space of 58,000 sq ft.
The building hosts a number of decorative carvings including three figures on the eastern elevation symbolising Neptune, Mercury and Britannia.
Internally the property is served by a central stairwell, with two further staircases on both sides of the building.
The office accommodation is primarily of an open plan nature on the ground, first and second floors.
The lower ground floor provides for a range of interview rooms, offices, meeting rooms, gymnasium, canteen, locker room and shower facilities.
