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29/10/2010
Royal Exchange To Boost Belfast North
Fears that the multi-million pound redevelopment of a run-down part of Belfast city centre had been shelved have again been refuted this week with news that a planning application has been submitted.
The application came five years after the Royal Exchange project was announced.
In May this year, Belfast City Council voiced its concern at reports that plans might be delayed, as at the time, detailed plans for the £360m regeneration scheme were still due to be lodged with planners.
It aims to redevelop an area between Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter on the northern side of the city centre.
The company behind the plan, Leaside Investments, is a consortium of two Northern Ireland firms William Ewart and Snoddons and a Dutch firm ING.
The Royal Exchange Scheme was first announced by the government in 2006 with the aim to regenerate run down and semi derelict parts of Belfast city centre.
The area between Donegall Street and Royal Avenue takes in the historic North Street arcade which was burnt down in 2004.
The listed building has not been touched since and there has been criticism that the project has not moved quickly enough.
The plans for the development include more than 200 apartments, a hotel, an arts centre, car parks and retail units.
Developers have signed an agreement with the Department of Social Development which will mean the scheme will receive some public funding.
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood welcomed the lodging of the planning application.
"I would encourage all stakeholders and the general public to provide their views on the application as it proceeds through planning," Mr Attwood said.
Back in May, Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of the Belfast Council's Development Committee, said he was alarmed at suggestions that the funding which had been made available for the Royal Exchange Regeneration Scheme has been 'surrendered' by DSD and the project is 'not likely to progress' in the timescale originally indicated.
Sinn Féin MLA and member of the DSD Committee, Fra McCann, had also called on the NI Minister for Social Development, Alex Atwood to provide clarity in regards to the delays facing the Royal Exchange development in Belfast.
See: Royal Exchange 'Not On Hold', Says DSD
(BMcC/GK)
The application came five years after the Royal Exchange project was announced.
In May this year, Belfast City Council voiced its concern at reports that plans might be delayed, as at the time, detailed plans for the £360m regeneration scheme were still due to be lodged with planners.
It aims to redevelop an area between Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter on the northern side of the city centre.
The company behind the plan, Leaside Investments, is a consortium of two Northern Ireland firms William Ewart and Snoddons and a Dutch firm ING.
The Royal Exchange Scheme was first announced by the government in 2006 with the aim to regenerate run down and semi derelict parts of Belfast city centre.
The area between Donegall Street and Royal Avenue takes in the historic North Street arcade which was burnt down in 2004.
The listed building has not been touched since and there has been criticism that the project has not moved quickly enough.
The plans for the development include more than 200 apartments, a hotel, an arts centre, car parks and retail units.
Developers have signed an agreement with the Department of Social Development which will mean the scheme will receive some public funding.
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood welcomed the lodging of the planning application.
"I would encourage all stakeholders and the general public to provide their views on the application as it proceeds through planning," Mr Attwood said.
Back in May, Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of the Belfast Council's Development Committee, said he was alarmed at suggestions that the funding which had been made available for the Royal Exchange Regeneration Scheme has been 'surrendered' by DSD and the project is 'not likely to progress' in the timescale originally indicated.
Sinn Féin MLA and member of the DSD Committee, Fra McCann, had also called on the NI Minister for Social Development, Alex Atwood to provide clarity in regards to the delays facing the Royal Exchange development in Belfast.
See: Royal Exchange 'Not On Hold', Says DSD
(BMcC/GK)
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02 December 2009
Deadline Set For Royal Exchange Plans
Plans to regenerate Belfast's Royal Exchange area must be outlined by October next year, a development consortium has been told. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie (pictured during another construction site visit) laid down the deadline for the £360m project, which has the potential to generate 2,000 construction jobs, today.
Deadline Set For Royal Exchange Plans
Plans to regenerate Belfast's Royal Exchange area must be outlined by October next year, a development consortium has been told. NI Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie (pictured during another construction site visit) laid down the deadline for the £360m project, which has the potential to generate 2,000 construction jobs, today.
26 May 2010
Royal Exchange 'Not On Hold', Says DSD
A multi-million pound redevelopment of a run-down part of Belfast city centre has not been shelved, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has said.
Royal Exchange 'Not On Hold', Says DSD
A multi-million pound redevelopment of a run-down part of Belfast city centre has not been shelved, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has said.
05 September 2012
Royal Exchange Development Gets The Go-Ahead
Minister Alex Attwood has announced his decision to grant planning permission for Royal Exchange, a £360million development that will revitalise Belfast City Centre.
Royal Exchange Development Gets The Go-Ahead
Minister Alex Attwood has announced his decision to grant planning permission for Royal Exchange, a £360million development that will revitalise Belfast City Centre.
05 March 2003
Study to reshape Belfast city centre launched
NIO Minister Des Browne has today announced the start of a review of Belfast city's regeneration policy following the adoption of the Victoria Square Development Scheme last month. The GB-based consultancy, G V A Grimley, has been engaged to conduct the research and is expected to report to the Department by the end of April.
Study to reshape Belfast city centre launched
NIO Minister Des Browne has today announced the start of a review of Belfast city's regeneration policy following the adoption of the Victoria Square Development Scheme last month. The GB-based consultancy, G V A Grimley, has been engaged to conduct the research and is expected to report to the Department by the end of April.
03 December 2001
Imagine Belfast brings new life to Victorian masterpiece
The latest jewel of Belfast’s Victorian architectural heritage to be refurbished and given a fresh lease of life is the former Northern Bank in Royal Avenue. Designed in the 1880’s by John Lanyon, it is the new home of Imagine Belfast 2008, the organisation which is bidding for the city to become European Capital of Culture in seven years time.
Imagine Belfast brings new life to Victorian masterpiece
The latest jewel of Belfast’s Victorian architectural heritage to be refurbished and given a fresh lease of life is the former Northern Bank in Royal Avenue. Designed in the 1880’s by John Lanyon, it is the new home of Imagine Belfast 2008, the organisation which is bidding for the city to become European Capital of Culture in seven years time.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
