King’s Hall redevelopment plans set to move forward

Plans for a major mixed-use scheme on land at King’s Hall in Belfast, which could include retirement living accommodation, restaurants, leisure facilities and apartments, are set to move forward.King’s Hall was a multi-purpose events venue and home to the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society from the late 1800s.The application for its redevelopment is led by Benmore Octopus Healthcare Developments (HK) Ltd.The scheme was discussed by Belfast City Council’s planning committee last month (February 2021) but a decision was deferred. Outline permission is sought for retirement living at plot 6 of the site, medical services at plot 9, a multi-storey car park, retail space, restaurants and cafes, leisure and gym facilities and open space featuring a new central plaza with access from Upper Lisburn Road.Detailed plans are also included for 81 apartments at plot 3 with ground-floor retail, restaurant and leisure space, associated landscaping and car parking.The project is recommended for the green light ahead of a committee meeting next week (16 March).Belfast planners said “the proposed development is considered acceptable”.