Keeping Local Residents & Stakeholders Updated And Informed.
Upload Date: 3rd April, 2026
Newsletter Issue 30
This week, we're pleased to share that the final sections of foundations have now been successfully broken out, including the area adjacent to the Ulster University Frederick Street Car Park. Reaching this milestone marks a significant step forward for the project as we head into the Easter period.
The site will be temporarily closed from 03/04/26 to 07/04/2026, with works resuming shortly after the break.
Upon our return on 08/04/2026, we will moveinto the final stages of the project, with the aim of completing all works and vacating the site before the end of April.
Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.
Upload Date: 2nd April, 2026
A key milestone has been reached in the ongoing development process, with the Non-Material Change application now officially submitted and live on the planning portal. Project stakeholders have expressed optimism that approval will be granted in the near future, allowing the scheme to move forward without significant delay.
Alongside this, progress continues on the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), a crucial element of the overall plan. Proposals were submitted to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at the end of February, and Belfast City Council (BCC) is currently awaiting feedback. Once this response is received, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) will be in a position to move ahead with public advertisement of the proposals.
However, the timeline may be influenced by public response. Should objections be raised during the advertisement phase, additional time may be required to review and address these concerns before proceeding further.
In parallel with these processes, the BCC Design Team is advancing work on the project’s tender drawings. Before these plans are finalised, local engagement remains a priority. Residents in the Lancaster Street area will be invited to attend a meeting where they can review the final proposals and share their feedback.
This consultation session is expected to take place in May, providing the local community with an opportunity to have their voices heard before the project enters its next phase.
Upload Date: 28th March, 2026
Newsletter Issue 29
This week, we've made excellent progress as we move steadily towards the full removal of all remaining foundations across the site. Alongside this, our team has been carefully sorting materials into dedicated waste streams, ensuring that as much as possible is prepared for recycling and reuse.
A key highlight of the week has been the detailed mapping of the existing pile foundations, which are now being formalised into a comprehensive survey. This is an important step that will support the design of the new building, allowing the project team to explore opportunities to reuse existing piles where suitable.
By identifying elements that can be retained, we are helping to reduce waste, minimise environmental impact, and improve overall efficiency in both time and cost. It's a positive step forward for the project and a great example of sustainable construction in action.
Looking ahead to next week, we are pleasedto sharethat the final remaining foundations will be fully removed,marking the completion of this key phase of works. Our focus will then shift to tidying and carefully levelling the site, helping to create a clean and well-prepared surface for what comes next.
Following this, we will begin reinstating the areas that were excavated during the foundation removal, ensuring they are restored to a high standard. At the sametime, permanent hoarding will be installed around the site, providing a neat, secure, and well-defined boundary as we prepare for the next stage of the project.
Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.
Upload Date: 20th March, 2026
Newsletter Issue 28
We are delighted to share that the particularly challenging foundations adjacent to the Edge Student Accommodation have now been successfully and fully removed. While this area required a revised and carefully considered approach, the team responded positively and worked efficiently to complete the works while keeping noise and disruption to an absolute minimum.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to The Edge team for their continued patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout these works. In the second half of the week, momentum continued as operations returned to the centre of the site, where the team made strong progress in completing the removal of the remaining foundations and below-ground obstructions. We estimate that 95% of the foundations across site have now been removed.
Over the coming month, we will be progressing into an important phase of works, with all remaining slabs and foundations scheduled for full removal, marking a significant milestone for the project. Alongside this, the remaining piles across the site will be surveyed and formally recorded for issue to the Project Manager, ensuring a clear and accurate baseline for the next stages of development.
As the site continues to take shape, backfilling and levelling works will be carried out to create a safe, even, and well-prepared platform. The team will also complete the removal of all remaining waste materials, leaving the site clean and ready for what comes next. Looking ahead, the erection of site hoarding is due to commence on 15th April, helping to clearly define and secure the site as we transition into the next phase of the project.
Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.
Upload Date: 20th March, 2026
Road closures will be in operation from 0600 on Sunday 2 August until 0500 on Monday 10 August 2026, with flexibility planned where possible during the early part of the week. With significant crowds anticipated from Thursday onwards, closures will phase-up in line with operational planning and to ensure visitor safety. On the city centre map opposite, full duration closures are shown in red and phased-up closures are shown in purple. On pages 6-7 on the attched PDF, see tables of full road closures and phased-up road closures. Vehicle traffic in the city centre will be guided by directional signage.
Representations relating to this road closure application may be made 16 March - 6 April 2026. A copy of the application can be viewed online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/roadclosures The application may also be inspected free of charge at the address stated below.
Persons wishing to make representations to the Council regarding the proposals may make representations in writing to the Building Control Service at the address below or by email to buildingcontrollicensing@belfastcity.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday 6 April 2026. Representations received after this date will not be considered.
Building Control Manager, Building Control Service, Ground Floor, Cecil Ward Building, 4 - 10 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BP.
If you have any news you feel we should feature, please email James at largbelfast@gmail.com.