Ugly building in Belfast could be redeveloped under new plans

Fanum House is widely regarded as a particularly ugly building

A fresh bid has been launched to redevelop an eyesore office block in Belfast city centre.

It would see Fanum House being demolished and replaced with a housing scheme for 610 students.

There have been plans to demolish the office block on Great Victoria Street for more than a decade and replace it with a hotel or housing.

The owners, South Bank Square, have filed a pre-application notice with Belfast City Council.

In 2020 the company said it was planning a development of 210 apartments in a scheme known as The Grattan.

It has now switched its intentions to student accommodation.

Martin Mallon, managing director of South Bank Square, said: 'We acknowledge the vibrancy that has been created by new student developments in other parts of the city and we strongly believe that our new proposals will bring renewed energy and creativity to this particular area.

"This part of Great Victoria Street has long been neglected and we believe that our development will be a major catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area."

Queens University is also planning a student housing scheme on the nearby Dublin Road on part of the site once occupied by the Movie House cinema.