Landmark mixed-use development set for green light

Proposals for a landmark mixed-use development in Belfast, which includes retail, residential and hotel use, look set to be given the green light when they go before planners next week.Submitted to Belfast City Council by PG, the proposals involve a mixed-use scheme comprised of offices, up to 367 residential units, restaurant/cafes, a 54-bed hotel, retail units and cultural/ community space, situated on a 12-acre site beside St Anne’s Cathedral.Originally, the application included proposals for a 27-storey tower at the junction of Rosemary Street and North Street, as well as the redevelopment of a large retail/anchor store to replace North Street Arcade.However, following feedback from the consultation process, the altered application now means that the 27-storey tower, the basement car park and the large retail/anchor store have all been revised, with the scheme now proposing the replacement of the listed North Street Arcade with a new arcade facility.Works are proposed to a number of listed buildings of heritage value, including the partial demolition of North Street Arcade, the former Assembly Rooms and Braddells.The development is expected to create 600 jobs per year and 1,600 net new permanent jobs upon completion, as well as 10 per cent affordable housing on site and 10 per cent social housing off site.Architecture firm Squire & Partners has been responsible for the design of the project.A report that is set to be scrutinised by planners on 21 January recommends that the plans be approved, subject to conditions.