Green light for first phase of £100m King’s Hall healthcare facility plan

The King’s Hall looks set to become the site of a £100m healthcare facility after planning officials at Belfast City Council signed off on the first phase of the major plan.The proposal, set to receive the rubber stamp during Tuesday’s planning committee at City Hall, includes the demolition of the conference facility, showgrounds and stables, with the listed King’s Hall venue itself transformed into a primary healthcare centre.Benmore Octopus Healthcare Developments (HK) Ltd is the developer.The initial plan recommended for approval involves building a two-storey side extension, repositioned access to the Upper Lisburn Road, alterations to the existing access at Balmoral Avenue, internal access roads and public realm works.Under the proposals, Abbeyfield will operate the care home at the site. It’s the first phase of a wider masterplan for the 16-acre site, which includes a proposal for an hotel.An outline planning application for the wider site has yet to be submitted, nor has the hotel operator been confirmed. However, it has been anticipated that the building will be a six-storey development.A range of community and leisure facilities, including a gym and a restaurant, also feature in the plan.