Consultation opens on Belfast’s North Street/Donegall Street development proposals

Developer Castlebrooke Investments has launched a public consultation on its proposals to redevelop the North Street and Donegall Street area of Belfast city centre.

The site includes several listed buildings and has remained largely underused for many years.

Scope of the proposals

The consultation sets out a masterplan for a mixed‑use neighbourhood. The key elements include:

• Up to 1,000 homes, covering social and affordable housing, homes for sale, homes for rent and co‑living accommodation.
• Two hotels, one on Royal Avenue and one near Writers’ Square.
• Around 100,000 sq ft of commercial and community space, including shops, cafés, restaurants and flexible uses.
• New pedestrian routes and lanes, improving movement through the area and linking to surrounding streets.
• A new public square opening onto both Royal Avenue and North Street.
• A concept for changes to Writers’ Square, including more greenery, seating and active ground‑floor uses.
• Restoration of five listed buildings, including the Masonic Hall, Avenue Hall, 12–14 Garfield Street, 41–51 Royal Avenue and the North Street Arcade entrances.

Possible economic impact

A study by Oxford Economics estimates that the development could generate:

• £195m Gross Value Added during construction
• 470 jobs linked to residential development
• 600 jobs linked to commercial uses
• £10.3m annual visitor spending

A planning application is expected to be submitted in October 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in winter 2027, subject to approval.

Have your say

The full consultation materials are available on the project website. The deadline for responses is Friday 14 August 2026.

RSUA is considering a response to this consultation. If you would like to share your views, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk

Alternatively, you can submit your thoughts directly via an online feedback form.