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Four Corners

This proposition offers a rare opportunity to transform a high-potential cluster within the protected Belfast City Conservation Area into a landmark mixed-use destination.

About

By integrating four distinct sites, the scheme offers the potential to leverage a unique blend of modern architecture and Belfast’s prestigious architectural heritage.

The portfolio is anchored by the iconic Assembly Rooms, a Grade B1 listed masterpiece on the World Monuments Fund 2025 “at risk” list. Steep in Belfast’s history since 1769, it boasts double-height spaces and exquisite period detailing, it provides a world-class canvas for a flagship, culture-led use. Complementing this is Braddell’s, a historic gem featuring rare cast-iron framing. It stands as an important example of a largely unaltered Victorian building, with the red-brick finish and gabled features central to its character.

Positioned between these two heritage assets, 5 to 9 North Street presents a strategic opportunity: it can either be replaced with a high-quality design that sensitively flanks and frames the two Grade B1 landmarks—stitching the historic streetscape back together - or redeveloped to offer flexible floorplates for modern workspace or residential conversion.

In its current standing, the site totals approximately 34,300 sq. ft. of internal space plus a 0.12-acre development site on Donegall Street, the scheme is primed for a comprehensive heritage led regeneration strategy. The inclusion of the former car park provides vital scope for a high-quality public realm, amenities, or sustainable urban greening.

Opportunities are invited to breathe new life into this historic fabric, de-risking “at-risk” assets while capturing the significant value uplift of a revitalised Cathedral Quarter.

5 to 9 North Street

  • The building is not listed but is in a Conservation Area.
  • The building is a typical concrete framed office block from the 1960’s
  • The building is up to four storeys in height with a total gross internal floor area is approximately 1,030m2 (c.11,087 sqft)

Braddell’s 11th North Street

  • The building was constructed in the 1890’s. The building had been used by J Braddell and Sons Limited until it became vacant a number of years ago.
  • The building is a listed Building Grade B1 and is in a Conservation Area.
  • The building is on the Heritage at Risk register
  • The building is a former retail premises, up to five storeys in height. Total gross internal floor area is approximately 715m2 (7,696 sqft). Floor plans are included with this note.
  • The building has a number of features including double attic single bay three window wide. Its structure is of timber beam and cast-iron frame construction. Brick detailing to the front elevation is still in place. A modern glazed shop front is in place.

Assembly Rooms, 2 Waring Street

  • The building was constructed in 1776 and designed by Robert Taylor. A major extension by Charles Lanyon completed in 1845. Various extensions and alterations have since taken place in 1875, 1895, 1919 and finally in 1956-1959. Its last permanent use was as a Northern Bank. The bank left the premises in 2002 and the building has had temporary use over the years including as an art gallery. It has been vacant since.
  • The Assembly Rooms is a listed Building Grade B1 and is in a Conservation Area. The DfC have placed the building as Heritage at Risk. The building was added to the World Monumental Funds Global at Risks site in 2025.
  • The Building has many historical features including stucco to the external walls along with pillars and porticos to window openings and with stone parapet and balustrading and stone copings at eaves level. The main assembly room is double height with many period features including cornicing, rosettes, panelling to walls and feature skirtings and architraves.
  • The building is up to four storeys in height with a total gross internal floor area is approximately 1,1142.18m2 (15,518 sqft).

Former Donegall Street carpark (0.12acres)

  • The carpark location is on the footprint of what was 6-8 and 10 Donegall Street.
  • The space could be utilised as part of an overall scheme for the other buildings in this cluster as amenity and or open space.