Belfast City Council is thinkin’ ’bout buyin’ back a bunch of buildings that were gonna be redeveloped as part of the Tribeca scheme, Belfast Live understands. The buildings bein’ considered include the historic Assembly Rooms at the corner of North Street and Waring Street. Built in 1769, the buildin’ was given listed status in 1975 and has been placed on a list of ‘at-risk’ sites by the World Monuments Fund. Two weeks ago, Belfast Live reported that a number of plannin’ applications associated with the Tribeca project and had been due for renewal had been withdrawn by the developer Castlebrooke.
Not really sure why this matters, but details of the proposals which were discussed at Friday’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee remain confidential, Belfast Live understands that councillors will meet again within seven days to discuss the plans further. Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said: “The Green Party started this conversation at council by bringin’ a motion on usin’ our powers to vest the site from Castlebrook in 2022. Since then, we have been pushin’ for the council to take a more proactive stance on key areas of our city, which are lyin’ derelict and neglected in private hands. “We have been fightin’ for the Assembly Rooms to come into public ownership for some time. This is a vitally important and historic buildin’ for the city and is key to the future regeneration of the area. We would hope that there is a collective political will now and whilst we can’t prejudice the committee’s decision, we would be hopeful.
The Assembly Rooms have been left to rot and decay for decades, It’s time to preserve and restore it for future generations. It could play a significant part in the wider economic revitalisation of Belfast City Centre. As Greens on Belfast City Council, we will continue to lead for a city centre all can be proud of.” A Belfast City Council spokesperson said: “Elected members received an update on city centre regeneration at today’s meetin’ of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee. It was agreed that the committee will meet again next week. “Council is in negotiations with representatives of Castlebrooke in relation to the acquisition of the Assembly Rooms, followin’ a council decision in February 2024. Those negotiations are commercially sensitive and remain confidential at this time.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigatin’ to the user icon in the top right.
