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Pearl Assurance House

Client

Rathbane

Project Value

£3.8M

Status

Complete

Sector

All Projects, Conservation, Workplace & Office

Located at the corner of Donegall Square East and Chichester Street, the Pearl Assurance Building is a Grade A-listed Edwardian landmark in the heart of Belfast. Despite its iconic city-centre location, the building had become an underperforming asset, with outdated internal layouts, inefficient services, and declining rental value.

Rathbane Ltd acquired the property with the ambition to reposition it as a premium office and retail address. Rob Jennings, while a Director at RMI Architects, led the initial design response — proposing a comprehensive upgrade that would enhance functionality while preserving the building’s architectural heritage. On setting up Rejen Architects in late 2023 Rob was retained by the client to lead the project through to completion in 2024.

Key interventions included improving natural light through the central stairwell, reconfiguring internal layouts for open-plan workspaces, and sensitively integrating new M&E systems — all while safeguarding historic features. The transformation is a leading example of commercial building retrofit in a listed city-centre context, balancing modern office needs with conservation obligations.

How Rob Added Value:

  • Repositioned an underperforming heritage asset as a modern, high-quality office and retail space.
  • Delivered a design that preserved the building’s architectural integrity while maximising commercial viability.
  • Secured planning and listed building consents, coordinating closely with heritage authorities
  • Oversaw façade stone repairs, high-spec interior detailing, and stakeholder collaboration from design through handover.
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