Plans are published for £200m Victoria Square redevelopment

The Department of Social Development has announced a move forward in the process to deliver the proposed £200 million redevelopment of Victoria Square in Belfast city centre.

The Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow indicated on Friday August 17 that, as part of the statutory process, his Department has now published its Notice of Intention to vest the land needed for this major development.

The Minister said: “Victoria Square is a very exciting project. Each step in the statutory process brings us that much closer to achieving the delivery of a scheme which will undoubtedly raise the standing of Belfast City Centre.”

Chichester Street, Victoria Street, Upper Church Lane, Ann Street, William Street South, and Montgomery Street hurdle the area proposed for vesting, although not every property within this area is included.

All known persons with land and property directly affected by the proposed Vesting Order have been notified. Vesting Order legislation provides that persons with an estate in land or property which is vested are fully compensated. In the case of businesses, compensation is normally based on the market value of the claimant’s interest in the property plus any other reasonable losses arising as a direct consequence of vesting.

The statutory process provides for a period for objections which expires on 24 September 2001.

The Department anticipates that both the Development Scheme and Vesting Order will require going through a detailed Public Inquiry, details of which will be made available in due course.

Mr Morrow’s announcement follows Multi Development Corporation’s submission in June of its detailed planning application for the area. (AMcE)