Planning application submitted for NI's largest office building

A planning application has been put forward for what would be the largest, single office building in Northern Ireland.

If it goes ahead, the 12-storey 'One Bankmore Square' development will be built at the Movie House Cinema site on the Dublin Road in Belfast city centre.

At 250,000 square feet, the office block has enough space to accommodate up to 3,000 employees - while over 570 construction jobs will be created.

Property developers The Richland Group said they hope the £65m scheme can be completed by 2020.

"One Bankmore Square is a quantum leap for Belfast's office market," Gary McCausland, CEO of Richland Group commented.

"It brings world-class Grade A office accommodation to the heart of the city centre in a single phase development.

"We have assembled a brilliant home-grown professional team to deliver this exciting project and we look forward to seeing it through to completion."

The Richland Group already has an extensive property portfolio including The Gallery apartment complex, which is also on the Dublin Road, and several developments in London and Paris.

Following a period of public consultation and pre-planning discussion with planners, an application has now been submitted.

One Bankmount Square will be complete with 8,000 square feet of ground floor space for ancillary cafe, retail and leisure uses.

Its location is a three minute walk from Belfast City Hall and the new £250m Transport Hub for Belfast.

The developers said the proposal also includes "the transformation of Bankmore Square into a focal public open space" with potential for an outdoor cinema and public art exhibitions.

Planning consultant Clyde Shanks said: "This major planning application is the culmination of a highly collaborative and engaging pre-application discussion process with Belfast City Council planners, its consultees and members of the public.

"The proposed design has responded to the helpful feedback received and been amended to specifically address the design concerns raised.

"We are confident this will enable the planning application to be determined promptly."