The trees in front of Northland House, facing Frederick Street, will be removed this month. The work is scheduled to begin on 18 November and will take approximately one week, carried out during regular working hours.

To ensure safety, the footpath in front of the trees will be temporarily screened to protect against falling branches. Noise levels will be kept to a minimum, not exceeding 80 decibels.

The tree removal is part of preparations for construction work set to begin next year. The timing was carefully chosen based on ecological considerations. An ecological consultant advised that this period is ideal, as the trees are dormant and there is no risk of disturbing nesting birds.

A voluntary community consultation is underway for the forthcoming Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (CDHT) on the site of Northland House, Frederick Street, BT1 2LW, Belfast. Although the proposed development falls below the threshold for a major planning application, there is a commitment to meaningful engagement throughout the consultation process. The CDHT, one of five projects funded under the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD), aims to provide state-of-the-art research and development facilities, including laboratories, offices, and communal meeting spaces. Developed by Ulster University (UU) in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT), it builds on UU’s world-class expertise in Medical Technology (MedTech) and Digital Healthcare Technology. 

A site location red-line map shown above is a reference, showing the site opposite the new Ulster University Campus. Key engagement activities include: a public notice in the Belfast Telegraph on Wednesday 27 November 2024; the launch of a project website and consultation email address (www.cdhtconsultation.com and contact@cdhtconsultation.com) on the same date; a social media campaign from 27th November to 6th December 2024 directing the public to the website; and a public information event at the Main Reception Foyer, Ulster University Belfast Campus, on Thursday 5th December 2024 from 3–7pm, where the consultation and design team will be available to answer questions. Leaflets outlining project details, event information, and feedback methods will also be distributed to local residents and businesses within 250m of the site. The consultation feedback period closes on Friday 20th December 2024 at 5pm, with the planning application expected to be submitted to Belfast City Council in January 2025.

Design plans for the new Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology (“CDHT”) on the current Northland House site on Fredrick Street is currenlty being considered.  Local architect firm Todds have been developing several possible design options for the new building which is due to begin its first phase of developement in the summer of 2025.  LARG will share further information on the design plans and project details in the coming weeks.