After years of planning, perseverance, and a few unexpected surprises along the way, we have some genuinely exciting news to share: Belfast City Council has given the green light for a new wellbeing centre and café extension at the Lockhouse on River Terrace.
The unanimous decision came at December’s Planning Committee meeting, and it marks a major milestone for everyone in Lower Ormeau who has been part of this journey.
Worth the wait
This hasn’t been a straightforward road. Planning approvals were first granted back in Spring 2023, with a further approval following in Autumn 2024. But when groundworks began, survey teams uncovered a previously unknown sewage pipe running through the site — something that required a full redesign of the plans.
It’s a testament to the team behind this project that rather than give up, they went back to the drawing board, worked through the challenges, and came back with a stronger proposal. The Council agreed.
What’s happening at the Lockhouse?
The Lockhouse at 13 River Terrace sits right beside the River Lagan, parallel to the Lower Ormeau Road — a spot many of you will know well from walks along the towpath. It’s a building with real history: the old John Murray Lockhouse site, protected under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995 and included in the Industrial Heritage Record for McConnell’s Lock.
The approved plans will add:
- A new community wellbeing centre designed to host a range of activities for local residents
- A café extension to the existing Lockhouse building
- A ‘men’s-shed’ space, with groundworks already underway
Crucially, the design has been carefully planned to retain full public access to the Lagan walkway. The open, accessible character of the site isn’t going anywhere.
What the planners said
Council planning officers recommended approval with no objections from statutory authorities — including the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division, who confirmed the proposal was acceptable given the site’s protected status.
In their report, officers noted that the development “will not significantly detract from the surrounding character” and that the design “is an appropriate location which is highly accessible to the public.”
One representation was received raising concerns about development on green space, and we want to be clear on this: the plans have been designed specifically to preserve public access and maintain the open feel of the site. This is a community space, built for the community.
A space built by us, for us
The Lockhouse sits in good company – neighbouring Shaftesbury Recreation Centre, St. John Youth Centre, and St. Malachy’s Nursery School. This new addition will strengthen what’s already a well-used community corridor along the Lagan.
We’ll be sharing more details on timelines and what’s next as things progress. Watch this space.
