A SITE just a short stroll from the new Ulster University campus in Belfast city centre has been earmarked for a multi-million pound, purpose-built, 790-bed managed student accommodation block.
Mandeville Developments NI has submitted a proposal of application notice to Belfast City Council planners for the island site between Library Street, Little Donegal Street and Union Street.
The site, which is currently being used as a surface car park, is behind the former Frames building and adjacent to the old Belfast Telegraph headquarters, now known as The Sixth and which secured planning permission for 230,000 square feet of office space in 2019.
The long-delayed Ulster University campus is due to open to 15,000 students and staff this September, though the Mandeville scheme, if approved, is unlikely to be completed until the September 2024 academic year at the earliest.
More than 4,000 new student units have been built in the past six years, prompted by the relocation of the UU campus from Jordanstown into the city.
Last year alone saw 717 units completed, with another 1,420 under construction, including a 724-unit block on Donegall Street representing a £55 million investment by LDS Devco and Banbridge-based Lotus Property.
Colin Donaldson, director for Mandeville Developments NI Ltd, said: “We've seen huge demand and a clear need for more managed student residences as students from both Belfast universities have struggled to find appropriate accommodation.
“With the completion of the Ulster University campus, an even greater proportion of students will choose to live in the city centre close to the campus.
“Our proposal for 790 new high-end beds demonstrates our commitment to support the regeneration of under-utilised spaces in Belfast, contributing to the growth of the city centre population and ensuring the city can continue to alleviate local demand and attract students from around the globe.
“This area is set to become one of the most exciting and bustling parts of the city centre, with a new university campus, the Sixth and Belfast City Council’s recently revealed plans for ‘Belfast Stories’ a new visitor attraction, all close-by.
“We want to contribute to this regeneration with active ground floor space for a restaurant, café or shop that will serve the student residents and public in the city centre.”
The design is being led by Like Architects, with project managers WT Partnership. A community consultation, led by planning and development consultants Turley will take place in early March to allow residents, businesses and stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposals.
