Plans for Belfast Smithfield project put before public

Construction on a new retail and creative hub in Belfast city centre could begin as early as spring next year as developers prepare to outline their plans to the public.The site, which sits between Gresham Street and Winetavern Street, is currently a large car park but it could be transformed into three buildings housing small boutiques and eateries as well as bigger companies.The listed Butcher’s Building would be refurbished as part of the multi-million pound project close to the Cathedral Quarter.Just days before the public get to have their say on proposals brought forward by the site’s two developers, it’s been revealed that work could begin on the first building next March.As part of a three-year process which has included gathering information from businesses in the area, Ashley Stewart from Lisburn-based developer Ashmour said the next stage will give more people an opportunity to have a say in the potential development.The scheme is a joint venture between Ashmour and Bywater.