Planning go ahead for revamp of historic Lisburn buildings

Plans for the first phase of the renovation of the iconic city centre buildings were revealed by developers Lough Development at a recent meeting of Lisburn Council's Planning Committee.

At this month's meeting the proposals were given the go ahead by the Planning Service.

The development for the buildings at the junction of Railway Street and Castle Street includes new heritage shop fronts, in keeping with the historical significance of the area, as well as 50,000 square foot of office space.

The buildings stand on the site of a former mill and the redevelopment plans include a scheme to bring the building up to the height of the original mill by installing a glass fronted additional level set back from the parapet.

Car parking will also be provided on site and the developers have given assurances that existing retailers will be accommodated within the newly refurbished building.

Joe Tumelty from Lough Developments said they were delighted to get planning permission for the first phase and revealed a planning application for the second phase, which will see the refurbishment of 2-12 Railway Street and the construction of a new office building behind the shops, would be submitted by the end of the month.

"This is one of the areas the council identified to for offices in Lisburn and it is obviously a good news story in this present economic climate."

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