Belfast City Council has agreed to purchase the historic Assembly Rooms from Castlebrooke Investments. The move is part of the council's ongoing efforts to regenerate the city centre.

The Grade B1 listed building, which has been vacant since 2000, dates back to 1769 and is located on the corner of North Street and Waring Street.

In addition to the Assembly Rooms, the council is also acquiring other adjoining properties, including part of the Donegall Street car park, the former Laffin Travel building at 5-9 North Street, and Braddell's Building, a Grade B1 listed building at 11 North Street.

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Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said the acquisition would "secure the future of a truly historic Belfast building" and "breathe new life and vibrancy into the Cathedral Quarter."

The council plans to engage with stakeholders to develop proposals for the future use of the buildings, focusing on their conservation and adaptive reuse.

The purchase is the latest in a series of acquisitions by the council aimed at preserving and reactivating historic city centre assets. These include the former Tesco building, which has been transformed into a temporary arts and culture space, and the acquisition of a listed building at 35-39 Royal Avenue, which is now on the market for a new retail occupier.

The council's 'Vacant to Vibrant' funding scheme has also led to the revitalisation of several heritage buildings, including the new ArtsEkta venue on Fountain Street.