Proposed revamp of Belfast’s BHS building moves forward

The proposed redevelopment of Belfast’s former BHS building has taken a step forward with the submission of a planning application.Alterity Investments Ltd is behind the scheme to transform the site on Castle Lane. It has been vacant for five years following the collapse of BHS and changed hands earlier this year.In March, Alterity said it is planning to refurbish and reconfigure the building, with potential to subdivide the ground floor at Castle Lane into a number of retail units and for the upper floors to be used for a variety of purposes. The company has now lodged a planning application shedding further light on the scheme, which has been designed by Like Architects.Permission is sought for the demolition of part of the building over Castle Arcade and the erection of a new oversail section at the junction of Castle Lane and Castle Arcade.Change of use is also proposed for the ground floor from storage to retail, along with the change of use of all upper floors from retail to mixed-use assembly and leisure, including the sale and consumption of food and drink.The rooftop would also provide an area for food and drink.A new access point to the upper floors and central area would be created on Castle Arcade and the building’s exterior would also be re-cladded.The plans are being considered by Belfast City Council. Frazer Kidd has been retained as commercial agent for the property.