The building was purchased by Farrelly and Mitchell for £3.1m in the early 2000’s.

Planning History
An initial application [Z/2008/1085/F] submitted by the developer and The Boyd Partnership in May 2008 to demolish the existing building whilst retaining the façade was withdrawn in September 2008. The application would have seen the redevelopment of the site to provide a ground-floor restaurant and 40 apartments over eleven floors with 180 parking spaces.

One year after the previous withdrawn application another application was submitted in May 2009. The scheme, also designed by The Boyd Partnership proposes the demolition of the existing office building whilst retaining the building facade and developing a ground floor restaurant and 26 apartments over the upper seven floors. The application was refused by the Planning Appeals Commission [2010/A0021] in September 2011. Reasons for refusal include, the impact on the proposed developments surrounding context, the impact on the setting of a number listed buildings and the impact on a proposed Area of Townscape Character.

Project Description
The proposed development comprises the retention of the existing facade of 93 - 95 Ann Street (Laganview House) on levels one to four including the upper parapets. An additional 8 levels are proposed seven of which will be used for residential accommodation. The twelfth level comprises the apex of a steel facade fronting both Oxford Street and Ann Street which encompasses in part the units of accommodation. The remaining units of accommodation present a glazed stepped frontage to the street. 

The proposed development is designed to reflect the maritime history of Belfast and to provide a context for Thanksgiving Square and the 'Beacon of Hope' sculpture. The design solution involves an oxidised steel clad structure curving upwards upon a four storey Victorian building. 

Planning Consultant:  Turley Associates
Visualisations: Big Lolly