Former Mace in Belfast city centre to become temporary drug addiction community facility

The facility will remain at the site until the completion of the £100m Belfast Stories project in 2028, which will see the restoration of the art deco former Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue.

At the recent meeting of Belfast City Council’s planning committee, elected representatives approved a temporary change of use from retail to community facility on the ground floor at 102 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1.

The applicant is Colin Hayburn, of Extern, on Royal Avenue.

The unit, which is currently vacant, will facilitate the temporary harm reduction centre.

The five-storey vacant mixed-use building directly adjoins the modern extension to the listed Bank of Ireland building.

The council planning report states: “The proposed community use is a main town centre land use and is considered an acceptable principle in this city centre location.”

It adds: “The site is not located near residential properties and there will be no unacceptable impact on residential amenity.”

It states: “The development proposes the sustainable re-use of a vacant unit in the city centre and the proposed use seeks to improve the wellbeing of citizens through the provision of a community facility serving the needs of the city.”

Announced in December 2021, the £100m Belfast Stories development is a flagship project within the tourism and regeneration strand of the Belfast Region City Deal.

Part of the new visitor attraction will be housed in the former Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue, which was acquired by Belfast City Council along with the surrounding 5,000 sq metres site.

Last month, an outdoor music venue with potential to accommodate 6,000 people was approved at the site of the new Belfast Stories building.

In December, a two year “green and grow” community facility was approved at the site.

The facility will contain green and grow space to include raised beds, pollinator towers, rainwater harvesting containers, compost bins, solar panels, seating and toilets.

It will be run by environmental charity The Conservation Volunteers who will also deliver an extensive engagement programme, working with a range of minority groups, including adults and young people struggling with mental health issues.

The council says on the Belfast Stories home page: “By 2028, following an unparalleled programme of story collection across the city and beyond, an exciting new visitor destination will open.

“It will reflect the unique spirit of Belfast through a variety of media and a mix of immersive experiences.

“It will drive culture-led regeneration across the city, enabling international and local visitors to connect with Belfast and one another through stories, screen and social spaces.

“Located on the historic site where North Street meets Royal Avenue, this landmark development will create a major tourism anchor right in the city centre – an authentic experience with Belfast’s people and personality at its heart.”