Reserved matters approval tipped for mixed-use development

Reserved matters approval has been tipped for a new mixed-use development in Belfast aiming to provide retail and commercial uses.Bywater and Ashmour secured outline planning permission in February 2020 for the regeneration and development of a vacant surface level car park and refurbishment of existing listed butchers building on land bounded by Winetavern Street, Gresham Street and North Street.The applicants are now seeking full approval for the construction of a mixed-use building ranging from four to nine storeys in height, comprising ground floor retail and hospitality uses with grade A offices above. The building consists of two interlocked L blocks that form a yard space in the middle.The total floor area of the building is approximately 170,000 sq ft, with the ground floor comprised of predominantly retail and cafes with the upper floors entirely office space. The main front of the building will be onto North Street, with an entrance foyer located in the north west corner of the building at the junction of Winetavern Street and North Street.A statement filed with Belfast City Council on behalf of the applicant said that the scheme will “provide a longer-term, high quality asset for the city in promoting economic activity, creating jobs and attracting talent.”A report for the council recommended the plans be given the go-ahead.The plans will be scrutinised at a planning committee meeting later today.