THE former Belfast headquarters of UTV have been sold to a London-based residential developer to be transformed into housing.
Olympian Homes has bought Havelock House on the Ormeau Road, after it was vacated by the broadcaster in April. While it is not clear how much the distinctive building has been sold for, it was initially on the market for £3.5m.
In a statement yesterday, Olympian Homes said it "plans to redevelop Havelock House and deliver a professionally managed, purpose built build-to-rent residential scheme".
The London-based firm, which has been trading for over 20 years and delivered development schemes throughout the UK, has just completed a £37m student housing development at Great Patrick Street, beside the new Belfast Ulster University campus.
It is also building a 774-room site at Nelson Street.
Simon Murray-Twinn from Olympian Homes, said: "This is an exciting addition to our investment in Belfast and our development will bring much needed homes for people working and living in the city centre.
"We aim to build a vibrant community who will enjoy the fantastic location which is a convenient walk into the central business district and the Gasworks opposite.
"We are looking forward to a positive collaboration with the city again to achieve a result much like we have seen with our recently completed student accommodation on Great Patrick Street."
Havelock House was home to UTV for almost six decades before the broadcaster moved to Belfast's Harbour Estate.
Oonagh Forster from ITV News said the "successful sale of Havelock House brings us to the end of the UTV office move project".
"We are delighted that contracts have been exchanged," she said.
Simon McEvoy of Savills Northern Ireland, which handled the sale, said: "From the launch of the sale, Havelock House generated strong local and international interest.
"We're delighted with the outcome and look forward to seeing Olympian Homes progress its plans for the property."
