£60m offices and hotel plan for Belfast near Primark

A £60m hotel, office and retail scheme close to the home of Primark in Belfast city centre could bring 400 construction jobs, it’s been claimed.Plans have been submitted for the development of Norwich Union House, which occupies part of Castle Street and Fountain Street. They are being brought forward by ES NUH Ltd, a development company associated with Co Tyrone construction giant McAleer and Rushe.It would see Norwich Union House knocked down, and an ambitious 243,000 sq ft scheme built, which would include office space, retail, restaurants, cafes, bars and a 174-bedroom hotel.There will also be ground floor units “offering business and leisure opportunities”.And ES NUH also said the development would seek to support a “a vibrant and active streetscape” in the area, which was badly hit by the fire at the nearby Primark in Bank Buildings last year.The plans have now been submitted after a 12-week community consultation. If planning permission is granted by Belfast City Council, work could begin early next year and provide up to 400 construction jobs.Stephen Surphlis of ES NUH said: “We are delighted to submit these regeneration plans and provide a much-needed investment in this part of Belfast city centre.