A NEW developer has entered the picture to construct a high-rise apartment tower next to Belfast’s oldest surviving building.
McHugh’s pub on Queen’s Square dates back to 1711.
Planning permission was granted to Village Homes in 2013 for a significant residential scheme overlooking Custom House Square.
But despite the demolition of the former building on the site, previously home to Grafton, the apartments have never materialised.
Instead, the site wedged between McHugh’s pub and The Boat building went on the market in early 2019 with a £2 million price tag.
The new owner appears to be Isle of Man registered Duncairn Limited, which was incorporated in Douglas in September 2019.
The company has notified Belfast City Council of its intention to construct a 15 storey apartment building on the site.
The proposal of application notice (PAN) reveals Duncairn Ltd still intend to build 60 apartments.
A PAN is typically used by developers to notified authorities of major developments ahead of a full planning application.
With a precedent already in place for 60 apartments on the site, the new planning application is unlikely to face much friction.
Duncairn Ltd’s PAN states its version of the scheme would involve a mix of studio, one and two-bed apartments. A residents lounge and coffee station are also proposed.
An online information event via QueensSqConsultation.com will take place from March 29 to April 26.
