£250mchildren’shospitalscheme now in hands of planning officials

A NEW £250m children’s hospital for Belfast has taken a step forward after plans were submitted for the 10-storey building, it can be revealed.

The new hospital, which will be located at the Royal Victoria Hospital complex, was first announced back in 2013.

Now, a full planning application shows how the new hospital will look, and what the development — which includes the demolition of Bostock House — will include.

It’s due to feature a green facade, which those behind the design say “suggests healing, nurtures relaxation, and promotes security...”

A design and access statement says the children’s hospital will consist of 10 storeys of “clinical and support accommodation (administration spaces, staff areas, facilities management and ancillary spaces), with roof top plant”.

“The new building brings together regional paediatric facil-

Artist’s impression of the new children’s hospital

ities for Northern Ireland in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.”

The detailed plans have been submitted by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, with planning consultant Aecom and architects

Isherwood & Ellis. Speaking to Ulster Business about the design of the interior, it says “striking a balance between a less clinical feel, without compromising hygiene or clinical standards has been the focus of the interior design of the inpatient bedrooms. Some patients will spend weeks or even months in these spaces, and the comfort of these patients is of utmost importance.

“Natural light, neutral colour schemes, comfortable furniture, and technology all play a part in making these rooms as conducive to patient well-being as possible.

“The way-finding and the interior design are one and the sameclear colour schemes and graphics are used to minimise the use of signage and text, and allow the building itself to guide users to their destination.”

It says that each level will have a “distinct theme” and each department a “logo” which will “influence the signage, colour schemes, graphics and furniture, making it simple for users to orientate themselves within the building”.

“The central atrium will be the heart of the building.

“It is an obvious way to find a route to anywhere else in the building, and a destination to return to.” IT’S been described as the biggest business deal of the year.

The Metro Building, located at Donegall Square South in Belfast city centre, has been sold for over £21m above its asking price.

Six bidders fought to the end to try and secure office space in one of the city’s most lucrative locations.

Director of Osborne and King property agents, Paul Henry, said: “The process has yielded an excellent result with active, competitive bidding.”