A major new health hub looks set to get the green light for Belfast city centre.
Plans are under way to develop the hub at the Grove House building on Great Victoria Street.
The development could also include an opticians, pharmacy, dental surgery, GP clinic, treatment rooms, yoga studio, labs and office space.
The application has been submitted by Millar Estates (Park House) N.I. Limited – a company which counts Peter Keeling, co-founder of medical technology firm, among its directors.
Now, planners are recommending the development gets the go ahead at this week’s Belfast City Council planning committee meeting.
“The proposed use is considered acceptable within this sustainable city centre location and in compliance with retail and community infrastructure policies contained with the LDP Plan Strategy,” planners said.
Park House is a three-storey property fronting onto Great Victoria Street and extends to four storeys towards the rear of the building.
Those behind the scheme say there is a “strategic ambition to increase the residential population of Belfast city centre”.
“It is not considered that Belfast city centre currently has adequate health services, along with other key services to facilitate the future increase of residents.
“The proposals would provide an essential community service within the city centre to accommodate not only existing residents but future residents.
“The proposals would also reduce the need for residents to travel by car to facilities outside the city centre.
“We believe there is substantial and strategic community benefits to a provision of health facilities within the city centre location. Proposals for a health hub in this location would further all objectives set out above and are compliant with the relevant planning policy, as set out above in the report.”