Studio Apartment Plans Lodged for Belfast Site

Plans have been revealed for a major studio apartment scheme in central Belfast.Acting on behalf of Duncairn Ltd, TSA Planning is seeking permission for a 15-storey development at 35-41 Queens Square.The Laganside site in question is bordered to the west by the listed McHugh’s Public House and to the east by the landmark commercial and residential building known as “The Boat”.In designs drawn up by Povall Worthington, the development is shown to incorporate studio one and two-bed apartments between the first and 13th floors, with a penthouse on the 14th floor alongside a residents’ terrace.From sixth floor and above the west elevation also includes balcony features and glazing within a façade.The design aims to allow the McHugh’s building to have an ‘independence’ while also sitting comfortably next to The Boat.A scheme was previously approved in 2013 for 60 dwelling units over 16 floors and the current proposal is for the same overall design and number of apartments as previously approved, but with one floor less.Since the earlier approval, the existing buildings on the site have been demolished and the public realm within Custom House Square and Queens Square has been enhanced.