We understand that planning can be complex, so this page explains what’s covered in the planning application, what is currently being consulted on and how the process works. Also included are details on the live planning application for the recladding of the Administration Building.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FULL PLANNING APPLICATION?
The full planning application seeks permission from Belfast City Council to change the use of the Administration Building from offices to a heritage and visitor centre, supporting its future role as a publicly accessible building.
There are also additional public realm improvements around the building. As part of the proposals, changes are also planned to the area to the rear of the building, where the Botanic Avenue car park will be replaced with a new landscaped space, creating additional amenity space that supports the building’s future role as a heritage and visitor centre.
WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN SUBMITTED?
In March 2026 a full planning application was submitted for physical improvements to the Administration Building and the immediate area around the building. This included recladding the building with a design that better reflects the rich architectural character of Queen’s campus, alongside the creation of a new seated amphitheatre at the eastern end of the Quad. Together, these changes provide a new public open space where students, staff and visitors can spend time at the heart of the campus.
This planning application and an accompanying Listed Building Consent application are currently subject to assessment by Belfast City Council. The applications are available to view on the Northern Ireland Planning Portal using references: LA04/2026/0631/F and LA04/2026/0636/LBC.
WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS?
The project team submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) on 3rd April 2026 to Belfast City Council to notify them of our intention to submit a major planning application.
As part of the PAN process, we are sharing our proposals with the public through this consultation to seek feedback. Interested parties have been notified through a combination of a public notice in the Belfast Telegraph, a local leaflet drop and emails to the elected representatives for the area.
At the end of the public consultation period, which closes on Monday 1st June 2026, all feedback received will be reviewed and considered by the project team. A summary of the consultation and responses will be set out in a Pre Application Community Consultation (PACC) Report, which will be submitted as part of the planning application.
Once the planning application has been submitted to Belfast City Council, a statutory consultation period will take place. During this stage comments can be made directly to the Council as they assess and determine the application.
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