Menu
21/06/2022
Scottish Mutual Building Must Be Protected - SDLP
The SDLP has highlighted the importance of the Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast City Centre to be protected and put back into use, following reports that masonry fell from the building this morning.
South Belfast Councillor Gary McKeown said: "The SDLP has repeatedly called for the Scottish Mutual Building to be regenerated and repurposed, and for plans around its use to be progressed as a matter of urgency. This landmark piece of our built heritage still has so much to offer yet has been allowed to lie unused for too long. As recently as last week, I raised concerns about the welfare of the building as historical listed buildings of this type need care and attention.
"It will be deeply alarming to those who live and work nearby that masonry fell off in the early hours of this morning. I walked past this spot myself just yesterday. This could have resulted in serious injury and we are extremely lucky that nobody was passing by at the time of this incident.
"I have spoken to Building Control and understand that the administrators have now been instructed to survey the building to ensure that it is safe. This should take place as soon as possible to help avoid any further incidents like this.
"This incident feeds into wider concerns expressed recently by traders, residents and elected representatives about the general state of our city centre, and I would like to once again call for redoubled efforts to get this building back into use so we can ensure its restoration for the benefit of everyone in our city as part of an essential move towards improving our city centre."
South Belfast Councillor Gary McKeown said: "The SDLP has repeatedly called for the Scottish Mutual Building to be regenerated and repurposed, and for plans around its use to be progressed as a matter of urgency. This landmark piece of our built heritage still has so much to offer yet has been allowed to lie unused for too long. As recently as last week, I raised concerns about the welfare of the building as historical listed buildings of this type need care and attention.
"It will be deeply alarming to those who live and work nearby that masonry fell off in the early hours of this morning. I walked past this spot myself just yesterday. This could have resulted in serious injury and we are extremely lucky that nobody was passing by at the time of this incident.
"I have spoken to Building Control and understand that the administrators have now been instructed to survey the building to ensure that it is safe. This should take place as soon as possible to help avoid any further incidents like this.
"This incident feeds into wider concerns expressed recently by traders, residents and elected representatives about the general state of our city centre, and I would like to once again call for redoubled efforts to get this building back into use so we can ensure its restoration for the benefit of everyone in our city as part of an essential move towards improving our city centre."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
08 August 2003
Protest continues on prison roof
Four prisoners are continuing their protest on the roof of Maghaberry Prison today in protest in support of the segregation of paramilitary inmates at the Co Antrim jail. The prisoners began their protest on Thursday night and at one point unfurled a large sheet with the words 'Segregation Now'.
Protest continues on prison roof
Four prisoners are continuing their protest on the roof of Maghaberry Prison today in protest in support of the segregation of paramilitary inmates at the Co Antrim jail. The prisoners began their protest on Thursday night and at one point unfurled a large sheet with the words 'Segregation Now'.
06 September 2022
Teenagers Rescued From Roof Of Scottish Mutual Building
Emergency services have rescued five teenage boys from the roof of the Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre. Police were called to the building on Donegall Street – the site of the failed George Best hotel – at around 7.20pm on Monday 05 September.
Teenagers Rescued From Roof Of Scottish Mutual Building
Emergency services have rescued five teenage boys from the roof of the Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast city centre. Police were called to the building on Donegall Street – the site of the failed George Best hotel – at around 7.20pm on Monday 05 September.
22 June 2004
HSENI says it's time to Play Safe and Stay Safe
As part of Child Safety Week, the HSENI has issued a safety warning to all parents, building contractors and farmers to stop children using dangerous workplaces such as building sites and farmyards as adventure playgrounds over the summer holidays.
HSENI says it's time to Play Safe and Stay Safe
As part of Child Safety Week, the HSENI has issued a safety warning to all parents, building contractors and farmers to stop children using dangerous workplaces such as building sites and farmyards as adventure playgrounds over the summer holidays.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
