Beannchor Group’s plans for a mixed-use apart-hotel scheme in the city centre conservation area tipped for approval, promising 150 jobs and a boost to Ann Street regeneration
The plans seek a change of use from existing restaurant, public house, retail and office units to a new mixed-use development comprising a pub, restaurant, hotel and one retail unit, along with two additional storeys to support the hotel use
Plans for a £14 million hospitality and hotel redevelopment in Belfast’s City Centre conservation area are set to move forward, with Beannchor Group behind the ambitious scheme.
The proposals, submitted by TSA Planning on behalf of Beannchor, cover lands at 10–22 Ann Street, close to Dunnes Stores and the city’s historic Masonic and Mayfair Buildings.
Drawn up by TODD Architects, the plans seek a change of use from existing restaurant, public house, retail and office units to a new mixed-use development comprising a pub, restaurant, hotel and one retail unit, along with two additional storeys to support the hotel use. External façade alterations and partial demolition works are also proposed.
According to the Planning, Design and Access Statement, the project aims to deliver a “mixed-use scheme comprising ground-floor retail and licensed premises with apart-hotel style accommodation above,” alongside the creation of a publicly accessible ‘Belfast Entry’.
It continued: “The proposal is an opportunity for the regeneration of this part of Ann Street on a prime City Centre site, where the upper floors are largely vacant. The refurbishment and enhancement of the existing buildings, which will increase activity and improve accessibility as well as make improvements to the facades.
"To refurbish the existing buildings on site will improve the townscape and character of Ann Street. The subject buildings are not listed but are located within the City Centre Conservation Area. This application also includes for Demolition consent to accommodate the physical alteration to the existing buildings.
“The proposal represents a total investment of £14 million and will take 10 months to deliver. The proposal has the potential to create 55 jobs during the construction stage, with 95 full time employment (FTE) jobs being created in the hospitality and retail sector once the hotel, restaurant and pubic bar are operational.”
According to a report to be scrutinised by Belfast Council's planning committee, the extension is considered subservient to the existing building and is sympathetic to both the character of the Conservation Area and the setting of the surrounding listed buildings.
It is recommended that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.