Plans to convert old Stormont headquarters into nursing home
The Netherleigh complex is on Massey Avenue in east Belfast
- Published
A developer is planning to convert the former headquarters of Stormont's Department for the Economy into a nursing home.
The Netherleigh complex in east Belfast was put on the market for £5.75m in 2024.
The six acre site includes the 19th Century Netherleigh House and a 1970s office block.
The pre-application planning notice proposes conversion of those buildings.
It would also involve building two new assisted living apartment blocks and a woodland trail.
The proposals will be open for public consultation from 21 August to 5 September.
The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) is in the process of reducing its office estate by 40% by selling buildings and ending leases.
Department for the Economy staff moved to an office block in Belfast city centre in 2023.
Buildings currently for sale include Clarence Court in Belfast city centre, the former headquarters of the Department of Infrastructure.
A decision is also due on whether Marlborough House in Craigavon, County Armagh, should be listed.
The 1970s office block is due to be vacated by civil servants and a listing could complicate efforts to find a new use for the site.