Belfast City Council is inviting individuals, businesses, and groups to submit Expressions of Interest for the future use of the ground floor of 2 Royal Avenue.

The Council aims to secure a sustainable, long-term future for the iconic Grade B+ listed building, which sits at a pivotal intersection connecting the city centre to surrounding neighbourhoods.

Originally designed by William J Barre in the 19th Century, the building is famed for its Gothic Revival features and intricate interior dome. Since November 2021, it has served as a popular cultural and community hub, a use that recently garnered high commendation from Civic Trust judges.

With the first floor earmarked for a new LGBTQIA+ Hub, the Council is looking for proposals for the ground floor that complement this use and enhance the area's offering. Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "We welcome proposals that encourage public enjoyment and celebration of this beautiful, listed building and complement Belfast's existing offering in terms of cultural activity, independent retail and visitor experience. Proposals must support the city centre's diversification and further enhance Belfast's appeal as a place to live, study, work, socialise in, and visit."

Outlining the wider context of the project, Councillor McLaughlin noted: "As part of our city centre regeneration plans, we're establishing a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub on the first floor of 2 Royal Avenue. We're starting work this week on Cathedral Gardens to make it an attractive public space for people to gather, relax and play, and we're exploring options for the future use of the historic Assembly Rooms, which we acquired last autumn. We're also currently consulting on designs for a world-class public space, visitor experience and creative hub called Belfast Stories which we plan to open in 2030."

Applicants are asked to outline how they will meet specific criteria, including retaining the building's public-facing nature and ensuring the operation requires no recurring funding from the Council.

The deadline for expressions of interest is early February 2026.