Kings Hall complex approved but with no hotel

Development of the Kings Hall Health and Wellbeing Park is set to press ahead after Belfast City Council approved plans for the final part of the scheme.

They include additional age exclusive living, medical and life sciences accommodation, a multi-storey car park, creation of a central plaza and further landscaping works.

However, while the finalised development may include cafes or a restaurant, plans for a 160-bedroom hotel on the site have now been axed.

The news comes as construction nears completion of Dataworks, a precision medicine hub which was part of the first phase development and which has already confirmed London-listed diagnostics firm Diaceutics as its first tenant.

‘Fulfilling our vision’

David Burrows, director of Benmore Octopus, said: “We are delighted that planning for the Kings Hall Health and Wellbeing Park has been approved by Belfast City Council.

“The move brings us a step close to fulfilling our vision for healthcare and age exclusive living at the iconic site, one which can benefit everyone in Belfast and Northern Ireland.”

Also located on the site is Malone Kindergarten, an early years centre which recently relocated its Scandinavian-style purpose-built building.

It intends to establish close links with the new facilities for older people on the site to take advantage of the mutual psychological benefits and learning experiences for young and old alike.

David Burrows added: “This development comes as a spotlight is being shone on the world’s healthcare providers as a result of the Covid-10 pandemic.

“It is fitting that we are in the process of creating a park which offers the best possible facilities for those at either end of the age spectrum, which will provide the best possible accommodation for our valued healthcare providers and the best possible working environment for our life sciences companies.”

Air quality concerns

Concerns had been expressed over air pollution in the area but a Benmore Octopus statement said: “The air impact quality assessment has robustly assessed the impacts of traffic emissions in the air quality management area.

“Due to the improvements in vehicle emissions with time, the phased nature of the development, and the mitigation measures included within the proposed development – which will reduce vehicle trips – the residual air quality effects as set out are not significant.”

Since a deferral in February, the developer proposed an additional green travel measure, with the offer a 50% subsidy on three-year car club memberships for each of the 81 apartments, and six dedicated spaces for car club vehicles.