Application: Plans submitted for social homes at former UTV HQ
A PLANNING application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the site of UTV’S former Havelock House headquarters in Belfast.
Genova North West Limited, through Lotus Property, wants to build 104 social housing units for families, older people, and people with mobility needs.
The homes, to be managed by Clanmil Housing Association, will include a range of one, two and three bedroom houses and apartments.
The plans will now be subject to a 12-week community consultation.
Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, said: “We believe passionately that Clanmil’s knowledge of the sector and professionalism of service delivery is key to ensuring this development delivers homes that people will be proud of.
“The next 12 weeks will be about listening to stakeholders and local communities about these draft plans. We look forward to hearing all views and considering them in our plans.”
Jan Sloan of Clanmil Housing added: “We are currently facing a housing crisis in Northern Ireland with social housing waiting lists at c45,000 — the highest they have been in 10 years.
“At Clanmil we are committed to playing our part in addressing this need.
“Social housing also has an important role to play in the regeneration of Belfast and in contributing to the council’s ambition to grow the city by 66,000 residents by 2035.
“This is another landmark project for Belfast city centre and the types of homes to be provided has been carefully considered and responds directly to the housing need for Belfast now and in the future.
“We look forward to hearing the views of all those with an interest in good homes over the coming months.”
Work to demolish the Victorian premises, home to UTV for 60 years, began as scheduled on January 8 this year despite protests from local residents and some pressure groups.
They had hoped the building, which had previously been used as a base for troops to provide cover for Belfast’s bridges during the Second World War, could be preserved and repurposed, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.