The Santander building near the Albert Bridge was originally built in the late 1990’s for Abbey National
A former banking call centre in Belfast is to become a Transitional Care Unit after a decision at City Hall.
Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee on Tuesday (February 17), unanimously approved an application for the proposed change of use from an office to a short term Transitional Care Unit, at Santander House, 1 Mays Meadow, Belfast, close to the Albert Bridge. The Santander building was originally built in the late 1990s for Abbey National.
The unit will comprise 73 ensuite beds, rehabilitation suites and treatment rooms, a laboratory, consulting rooms, a cafe, two external terraces and ancillary staff and storage rooms. The development will include an ambulance drop-off bay, the replacement of existing windows, and other associated site and access works.
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There will be a number of access points to the site, a pedestrian access via East Bridge Street, an ambulance drop-off point to the rear and internal access from the undercroft parking area. The proposal provides 37 parking spaces within the lower ground floor level.
The applicants are Life Works Developments Ltd, Clare Road, Gilford BT63. Statutory and non-statutory consultees supported the proposal, and the council received no third party representations. Council officers recommended the application for approval.
The council officer planning report states: “The proposal is within an accessible city centre location, the surrounding commercial character ensures there is no impact on residential amenity. The proposal being for a change of use of an existing modern building ensures there is no impact on natural or built heritage assets.
“The proposal will have replacement windows fitted, these will be of a similar design and finish to the existing windows with some glazing panels replaced with opaque glazes units. This will not impact on the existing style of the building or on the surrounding character
“The city centre location of the site, allows for all forms of transport to be used to access the building, the site benefits from direct access to footpaths, cycle lanes, and both bus and trains public transport.”
It adds: “These include new insulation and new windows operating at a higher efficiency. The reuse of an existing building is also beneficial for the environment.”
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