Major office scheme tipped for green light

A proposal for a major new Belfast city centre office scheme that includes a number of hospitality uses has been tipped for the green light.Brought forward by ES NUH, the plans involve the construction of a seven-storey building with a frontage on Fountain Street, Castle Street and Queen Street. The scheme includes offices spread over six floors, with the ground floor allocated for retail, restaurant and café uses.Four retail units are proposed at ground floor level along Castle Street and one along Queen Street, while 37 basement car parking spaces are also provided.The proposal involves the demolition of the Norwich Union House, which is a six-storey building comprised of retail units at ground floor and commercial/office units above.A report that is set to be scrutinised by Belfast City Council planners on 10 March recommends that the plans be approved, subject to conditions.