A major health facility which will cater to Belfast city centre’s growing population has won planning approval.
Healthworks on Great Victoria Street is being developed by O’Connor McCann (OCMC) to include occupational health services, pharmacies and GP practices.
OCMC said the development would serve the growing inner-city population around Weavers Court, and students living between Queen’s University in south Belfast and Ulster University in the north of the city.
The company previously acquired the Dataworks building in the King’s Hall Life Sciences Park, where Diaceutics plc and SpaMedica are based.
The development will be constructed at the former Park House office block on Great Victoria Street.
Belfast City Council confirmed the granting of planning permission following a meeting of the planning committee on Tuesday night.
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Peter Keeling, director at OCMC and the founder and former chief executive of Diaceutics, said: “Healthworks is designed to be one of the most affordable and accessible primary and specialist care centres in Northern Ireland. With planning approval now secured, we are eager to advance a project that presents a major opportunity to enhance healthcare provision in Belfast.
“Our vision is to meet the evolving needs of a modern urban population by offering comprehensive healthcare services in a single, accessible location.
“We expect strong interest from potential occupants drawn to this innovative development.”
OCMC said healthcare sites were rare in the city centre as there was a lack of suitable spaces which met standards for safety, quality and patient care.
Letting agent CBRE NI said it expected significant interest from occupiers, now that planning permission had been secured.
James Turkington, associate director at CBRE NI, said: “Healthworks represents a significant step towards the provision of a modern, purpose-built healthcare facility designed to cater to Belfast’s inner-city population.
“The project’s location close to the city’s major transport hubs and the Weavers Cross development encompasses a wide catchment area which includes the city centre’s commercial and business core, as well as several purpose-built student housing schemes.
“As this exciting project moves to the next stages, we welcome inquiries from potential occupiers seeking to quickly establish a healthcare service in an area with significant footfall.”