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Belfast City Council is inviting proposals for the long-term use of the iconic ground floor space at 2 Royal Avenue, a beloved city-centre landmark. They're looking for financially sustainable ideas that will continue its vibrant community and cultural spirit, complementing the new LGBTQIA+ Hub. This is a chance for local businesses, groups, or individuals to help shape the future of a key Belfast heritage building.
2026/01/05
Belfast City Centre's magnificent 2 Royal Avenue, a landmark familiar to many of us, is seeking a new long-term tenant for its substantial ground floor space. If you've enjoyed its recent role as a vibrant community and cultural hub, you'll be pleased to hear the council is keen to maintain its public accessibility and lively spirit.
This impressive sandstone building, stretching to around 14,250 sq ft, stands at the heart of the city centre, enjoying some of Belfast's busiest footfall. Designed by the same architect responsible for the Ulster Hall and the Albert Clock, William J Barre, its striking Gothic Revival features, including the iconic circular dome with stucco figures, are a true sight to behold. The council acquired this Grade B+ listed former bank building in autumn 2021, recognising its huge potential to contribute to the city's regeneration. Since November 2021, it has served brilliantly as a temporary community and cultural space, a use that earned high praise from Civic Trust judges.
Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, emphasised the importance of preserving Belfast's built heritage. "2 Royal Avenue is a crucial part of our city's character," he explained. "We want to ensure it remains accessible and inclusive, while also being financially sustainable for the future."
The council is looking for proposals that will encourage public enjoyment and celebration of this beautiful building, enhancing Belfast's existing cultural offerings, independent retail, and visitor experience. Ideas should support the city centre's diversification and make Belfast an even more appealing place to live, study, work, socialise, and visit.
This initiative is part of wider exciting developments across the city centre. A dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub is being established on 2 Royal Avenue's first floor, and work is underway at Cathedral Gardens to create an attractive public space. Plans are also progressing for the historic Assembly Rooms and the ambitious "Belfast Stories" project, set to open in 2030.
2 Royal Avenue itself plays a vital role in connecting the city centre with surrounding neighbourhoods, and its ground floor offers fantastic opportunities for creating engaging public spaces. There's even potential for collaboration with businesses in Bank Square and beyond to further enhance the area.
Whether you're a business, an individual, a community group, or a collective, the council wants to hear from you. Proposals should demonstrate how they will:
Maintain a public-facing, civic, 'third space' element.
Be financially sustainable without needing ongoing operational funding from the council.
Maximise the building's heritage value for economic, social, and place-making benefits.
Be compatible with the new LGBTQIA+ Hub planned for the first floor.
This is a fantastic chance to contribute to the vibrancy and future of our city centre. Expressions of interest will close in early February 2026. For more information on this exciting opportunity, you can visit the council's website.