02/09/2025
Belfast City Council Secures Future Of Historic Assembly Rooms
Belfast City Council has agreed to purchase the historic Assembly Rooms from Castlebrooke Investments. The move is part of the council's ongoing efforts to regenerate the city centre.
The Grade B1 listed building, which has been vacant since 2000, dates back to 1769 and is located on the corner of North Street and Waring Street.
In addition to the Assembly Rooms, the council is also acquiring other adjoining properties, including part of the Donegall Street car park, the former Laffin Travel building at 5-9 North Street, and Braddell's Building, a Grade B1 listed building at 11 North Street.
Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said the acquisition would "secure the future of a truly historic Belfast building" and "breathe new life and vibrancy into the Cathedral Quarter."
The council plans to engage with stakeholders to develop proposals for the future use of the buildings, focusing on their conservation and adaptive reuse.
The purchase is the latest in a series of acquisitions by the council aimed at preserving and reactivating historic city centre assets. These include the former Tesco building, which has been transformed into a temporary arts and culture space, and the acquisition of a listed building at 35-39 Royal Avenue, which is now on the market for a new retail occupier.
The council's "Vacant to Vibrant" funding scheme has also led to the revitalisation of several heritage buildings, including the new ArtsEkta venue on Fountain Street.
The Grade B1 listed building, which has been vacant since 2000, dates back to 1769 and is located on the corner of North Street and Waring Street.
In addition to the Assembly Rooms, the council is also acquiring other adjoining properties, including part of the Donegall Street car park, the former Laffin Travel building at 5-9 North Street, and Braddell's Building, a Grade B1 listed building at 11 North Street.
The council plans to engage with stakeholders to develop proposals for the future use of the buildings, focusing on their conservation and adaptive reuse.
The purchase is the latest in a series of acquisitions by the council aimed at preserving and reactivating historic city centre assets. These include the former Tesco building, which has been transformed into a temporary arts and culture space, and the acquisition of a listed building at 35-39 Royal Avenue, which is now on the market for a new retail occupier.
The council's "Vacant to Vibrant" funding scheme has also led to the revitalisation of several heritage buildings, including the new ArtsEkta venue on Fountain Street.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 October 2025
Belfast Council Completes Purchase Of Historic Assembly Rooms
Belfast City Council has announced a major step in its city centre regeneration drive, confirming the purchase of the historic Assembly Rooms, its rear extension, and adjacent assets in the Cathedral Quarter. The Assembly Rooms, which date back to 1769, is a Grade B1 listed building on the corner of North Street and Waring Street.
Belfast Council Completes Purchase Of Historic Assembly Rooms
Belfast City Council has announced a major step in its city centre regeneration drive, confirming the purchase of the historic Assembly Rooms, its rear extension, and adjacent assets in the Cathedral Quarter. The Assembly Rooms, which date back to 1769, is a Grade B1 listed building on the corner of North Street and Waring Street.
23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
02 October 2018
Businesses Affected By Primark Building Cordon Removed From Rates Liability
Seventeen businesses affected by the Primark building fire have been removed from all business rates liability while the Bank Building has been removed from the Valuation List. Northern Ireland Civil Service departments are continuing to work with Belfast City Council and other agencies in response to the fire at Belfast's Bank Buildings.
Businesses Affected By Primark Building Cordon Removed From Rates Liability
Seventeen businesses affected by the Primark building fire have been removed from all business rates liability while the Bank Building has been removed from the Valuation List. Northern Ireland Civil Service departments are continuing to work with Belfast City Council and other agencies in response to the fire at Belfast's Bank Buildings.
03 August 2010
Historic City Building Back In Jeopardy
An ongoing battle between conservationists and property developers has entered a new stage with news that the developers have renewed their bid to demolish an historic Victorian building in downtown Belfast.
Historic City Building Back In Jeopardy
An ongoing battle between conservationists and property developers has entered a new stage with news that the developers have renewed their bid to demolish an historic Victorian building in downtown Belfast.
07 March 2023
New Built Heritage Educational Programme Announced
The Department for Communities has announced that an innovative educational programme aimed at preserving traditional building skills needed for protecting the historical built environment has reopened for applications.
New Built Heritage Educational Programme Announced
The Department for Communities has announced that an innovative educational programme aimed at preserving traditional building skills needed for protecting the historical built environment has reopened for applications.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.