Plans approved for more student accommodation in Belfast city centre

Plans have been approved for more student accommodation in Belfast city centre.

A new development on Great Victoria Street is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction.

Property development company South Bank Square’s new scheme, The Grattan, will be situated on the site of the former Fanum House building and will deliver a new 560 bed purpose-built student accommodation development.

On site amenities will include a café, residents lounge, fitness suite, business hub and landscaped roof terraces.

Belfast City Council’s Planning committee says the accommodation will include 205 studios and 355 cluster rooms.

Martin Mallon, Managing Director of South Bank Square, said, “We are delighted to have received planning approval for The Grattan. The site is ideally located in The Linen Quarter and is close to the universities and Grand Central Station. This significant project will further enable the renaissance of this area which was once the “Golden Mile”.

“The Grattan represents a major investment in Belfast city by South Bank Square, and the development will generate hundreds of jobs during construction.”

Tom Stokes, Director of TSA Planning, planning agent for The Grattan, said, “It is great to see approval granted for this exciting scheme by South Bank Square. The Grattan is in the ideal location for purpose-built student accommodation, situated within walking distance of both universities, the city centre and with excellent public transport links.”

“The design team for The Grattan is grateful to Belfast City Council for the collaborative working approach with officers and consultees to secure approval within 6 months. This project will continue the revitalisation of this area of the city, and it will be great to see this longstanding eyesore redeveloped with a modern sustainable building designed to Passive House standards.’’