LQ BID submits consultation response to Fanum House redevelopment plans

The Linen Quarter BID is actively working to promote the Linen Quarter as Northern Ireland’s premier destination for private investment, while ensuring that any investment contributes to the development of a vibrant, safe and sustainable District.

The BID supports the proposal to replace Fanum House (110 Great Victoria Street) and Norwood House (96-102 Great Victoria Street) with an 8 to 17-storey Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation block, as it will help to achieve the ambitions set out in our Regeneration Vision while also supporting the objectives behind the recently completed ‘Great Expectations for Great Victoria Street’ programme. This streetscape enhancement programme set out to enhance the look and feel of Great Victoria Street in order to promote it as a viable pedestrian route between City Centre / Grand Central Station and Queen’s University.

The BID welcomes the addition of a tall structure acting as a landmark on the lower section of Great Victoria Street, which will add to the urban legibility of this part of the city centre. The BID also welcomes the density of the proposal and the reactivation of the street frontage along this part of Great Victoria Street and Ventry Street. The anticipated increase in footfall that will generated by this development will help support hospitality trade in the area while also improving community safety by increasing social surveillance, particularly in the evenings.

The BID has provided feedback in relation to: adoption of sustainable building standards; inclusion of sustainable transport facilities; increase in active street frontage; and strengthening of visual diversification of the elevation along Great Victoria Street.

An online consultation for the proposals runs until 9th February via www.TheGrattanConsultation.com