Belfast City Council has opened a call for Expressions of Interest regarding the ground floor of the historic 2 Royal Avenue building. The Council is seeking a tenant to secure the long-term future of the site, which extends to approximately 14,250 sq ft in the heart of the city centre.

Designed by the renowned architect William J Barre in the 19th Century, the former bank is a standout example of Gothic Revival architecture. The sandstone structure features a distinctive circular dome adorned with stucco figures depicting engineering, architecture, art, industry, law, navigation, and war. Since its acquisition by the Council in autumn 2021, the building has been utilised as a temporary community and cultural space.

The search for a permanent operator comes as part of a wider regeneration strategy for the area. This includes the development of a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub on the building's first floor, the commencement of works at Cathedral Gardens, and future plans for the historic Assembly Rooms and the 'Belfast Stories' visitor experience, scheduled for 2030.

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Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, emphasised the architectural significance of the site: "Our built heritage is a crucial part of Belfast's character, attractiveness and sense of place – and 2 Royal Avenue, designed by William J Barre, who also designed the Ulster Hall and the Albert Clock, is very important indeed. We're keen to preserve 2 Royal Avenue's accessibility, as well as its vibrant, inclusive spirit, while ensuring its future financial sustainability, so we're seeking expressions of interest for the lease of the ground floor."

He added: "There's a great deal of work underway to bring further animation and vibrancy to the city centre. So we want to see expressions of interest that match our level of ambition for the city, create social value, and have the potential to create an attractive, welcoming and engaging space here on a long-term basis."

Interested parties—ranging from businesses to collectives—must demonstrate how their proposal meets four key requirements:

• Retaining elements of the public-facing, civic 'third space'.

• Ensuring financial sustainability without recurring operational funding from the Council.

• Maximising the heritage asset for economic, place, and social outcomes.

• Ensuring compatibility with the proposed LGBTQIA+ Hub on the upper floor.

The call for expressions of interest closes in early February 2026. Further details are available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/2royalavenue.