PLANS to build 170 social homes on a site in Belfast city centre previously earmarked for student accommodation have been welcomed by housing campaigners.
Lotus Property has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to Belfast City Council for its one-acre site on Library Street.
The site was previously earmarked for student accommodation by former owners and has also been used as a car-park.
However, Lotus Property is now proposing a residential-led development, further expanding the company's investment in the living sector and helping to address Belfast's growing housing needs.
The proposed development will provide 170 affordable housing units, comprising:
- 32 one-bedroom apartments
- 126 two-bedroom apartments
- 12 three-bedroom apartments
All apartments will feature private balconies, while residents will also benefit from open shared amenity spaces designed to support community living.
The proposal comes at a time of significant housing demand across the North with approximately 46,000 households currently on the social housing waiting list and new housing completions remaining at historically low levels.
Plans have been welcomed by housing campaign groups, Carrick Hill Residents' Association and St Patrick's and St Joseph's Housing Association.
Frank Dempsey from Carrick Hill Residents' Association said: "The area has been overkilled with student accomodation and was recommended for planning approval when the need was never there.
"We welcome plans now for 170 units of social housing. It is well overdue and hopefully some of the other vacant sites will be transformed into social housing.
"At least this is a step to try and ease some of the burden of the housing shortage in North Belfast."
Michael McCafferty, Investment Director at Lotus Property, said: "Submitting the Proposal of Application Notice is an important step in progressing our plans for Library Street and demonstrates our commitment to bringing this city centre site forward for much-needed housing.
"We believe this development has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to addressing housing need while creating a sustainable and attractive residential community in Belfast."
Alastair Coulson, Managing Director at Lotus Property, said: "This is an important milestone for Library Street and for our wider ambition to deliver high-quality residential development in Belfast city centre.
"We will now begin a formal conversation with the local community, stakeholders, and Belfast City Council about how this site can be transformed to meet one of the city's most pressing needs. We look forward to engaging with all interested parties as our proposals develop."
The public consultation will take place on September 15, 3-7pm, The MAC, 10 Exchange St West, Belfast.
