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Is Office to Residential right for Belfast?

As a Belfast-based architectural practice committed to reimagining, repurposing and regenerating buildings and places, Rejen Architects fully supports Belfast City Council’s initiative to encourage the conversion of upper floors of existing city centre buildings into residential use. This initiative is an important step towards addressing the city’s pressing housing needs, as outlined in The Belfast Agenda, which sets ambitious targets for increasing city centre housing supply to 8,000 by 2035.

The shift towards remote and hybrid working has resulted in underutilised office spaces, presenting an opportunity to enhance urban living by transforming these spaces into vibrant residential communities. Repurposing upper floors not only aligns with the housing objectives but also promotes increased footfall and supports local businesses, contributing to an integrated urban environment.

However, creating a sustainable living environment will require a multi-agency approach to provide the infrastructure upgrades to support new residents. This includes essential services such as schools, childcare, healthcare facilities, and improved transport links. While the current initiative is a commendable start, focusing on infrastructural improvements is essential to maximising its benefits.

Moreover, Northern Ireland faces significant challenges regarding drainage infrastructure, which can impede the connection of new homes to sewage systems. Although converting existing buildings may have established connections, it remains crucial to address broader drainage issues to support future developments.

To facilitate the conversion of office spaces to residential units, existing planning rules often restrict residential developments in commercial areas, and this may require a reassessment by City Council Planning. Additionally, building regulations can pose considerable challenges, particularly for older structures in terms of accessibility, thermal performance and health and safety. This will require some flexibility in the application of these regulations if we are to promote modern urban living, which is vital for fostering a diverse residential population.

Incentivising development through financial mechanisms can also encourage progress. Other European and US cities have similarly embraced adaptive reuse strategies, recognising the value in revitalising underutilised buildings.

Belfast City Council’s strategy to convert upper floors into residential units is crucial. However, achieving success will require a comprehensive approach that includes infrastructure enhancements, flexibility in planning and building regulations, financial incentives, and community involvement. By integrating these mechanisms, Belfast can better develop a sustainable urban future that meets the needs of its residents and revitalises the city centre.