Menu
20/04/2012
Minister Exhausts All Options To Save Athletic Stores Site
After an exhaustive assessment of all issues from every angle, DOE Planning has given planning permission for a retail and residential development of the Athletic Stores site.
The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has concluded this is, with regret, the better way to proceed.
The existing building on the site is vacant apart from the Athletic Stores. The new development will replace it. The Minister has exhaustively considered options to save the existing building which is not listed but is in a Conservation Area.
The building has serious structural flaws and is leaning into the street. It has been concluded that foundations and structure could not be refurbished to provide units for modern living and working. Many heritage campaigners accept that the entire building cannot be saved and converted to give it a useful life.
The option to retain the facades fronting the streets with a new building behind have been considered. The necessary works would affect character and would not be financially viable. This option has been assessed at length but this is the conclusion unfortunately that has been drawn.
Mr Attwood said: "I said that I would 'call in' the papers on the Athletic Stores application. I did. I interrogated the Belfast Planning Team on the application. I asked for facts and figures to be produced and tested. I visited the location twice and on the second occasion I invited representatives from the Ulster Architectural Historical Society to join me. I wanted to demonstrate that any decision – whatever its nature – was made, having looked at the issue from every side.
"In the final analysis, I conclude that the planning decision for a retail and residential development is the better one unfortunate though that is. I have worked to see if the building, even the facade, could be saved. It has been a hard decision but I believe the better one. In coming to this view, I have been mindful of the risky state of the building, the unhealthy state of the property market and the disproportionate and uneconomic costs to even save the facade."
Mr Attwood added: "This decision has preoccupied me, given the commitment to preserving our built heritage, trebling the threshold for listed buildings grants, investing in Carlisle Memorial Church and the Dry Dock in Titanic Quarter, spotlisting and serving Urgent Works Notices. I don’t come to this decision lightly but I consider it the better way to proceed.
"Decorative features of the existing building will be salvaged; the new project will be a boost to this central Belfast location, which has been in an increasing state of decline."
(CD)
The Environment Minister Alex Attwood has concluded this is, with regret, the better way to proceed.
The existing building on the site is vacant apart from the Athletic Stores. The new development will replace it. The Minister has exhaustively considered options to save the existing building which is not listed but is in a Conservation Area.
The building has serious structural flaws and is leaning into the street. It has been concluded that foundations and structure could not be refurbished to provide units for modern living and working. Many heritage campaigners accept that the entire building cannot be saved and converted to give it a useful life.
The option to retain the facades fronting the streets with a new building behind have been considered. The necessary works would affect character and would not be financially viable. This option has been assessed at length but this is the conclusion unfortunately that has been drawn.
Mr Attwood said: "I said that I would 'call in' the papers on the Athletic Stores application. I did. I interrogated the Belfast Planning Team on the application. I asked for facts and figures to be produced and tested. I visited the location twice and on the second occasion I invited representatives from the Ulster Architectural Historical Society to join me. I wanted to demonstrate that any decision – whatever its nature – was made, having looked at the issue from every side.
"In the final analysis, I conclude that the planning decision for a retail and residential development is the better one unfortunate though that is. I have worked to see if the building, even the facade, could be saved. It has been a hard decision but I believe the better one. In coming to this view, I have been mindful of the risky state of the building, the unhealthy state of the property market and the disproportionate and uneconomic costs to even save the facade."
Mr Attwood added: "This decision has preoccupied me, given the commitment to preserving our built heritage, trebling the threshold for listed buildings grants, investing in Carlisle Memorial Church and the Dry Dock in Titanic Quarter, spotlisting and serving Urgent Works Notices. I don’t come to this decision lightly but I consider it the better way to proceed.
"Decorative features of the existing building will be salvaged; the new project will be a boost to this central Belfast location, which has been in an increasing state of decline."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
Police Launch Christmas Operation To Keep Derry City & Strabane Safe
Derry City and Strabane Police have launched Operation Season's Greetings, an annual initiative aimed at ensuring public safety during the festive period. Increased police patrols will be deployed across the district to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
15 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Armed Robbery In East Belfast PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
