Planning for a world-class student experience at Queen’s University

Queen’s University Belfast is regarded as one of the leading universities in the UK and Ireland, providing world-class education for its growing student population. Supporting the university to ensure its facilities mirror the educational standard, RPS has prepared and submitted a major planning application to Belfast City Council for a brand new, state-of-the-art Student Centre, including a new Students’ Union facility.

The new £30 million facility will replace the existing Students’ Union building on University Road and create an holistic and world-class hub. The new centre will support student welfare services, increased learning, development, enterprise, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Improving student interaction and accessibility in the heart of the University campus, the new Students’ Union will include vibrant social and commercial spaces, a Mandela Hall multi-purpose venue and state-of-the-art facilities for clubs and societies. 

Our work involved leading an extensive Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) process with Belfast City Council, DfC Historic Environment Division and DfI Roads, to identify key environmental issues and resolve architectural challenges.

Additionally we assisted Queen’s University to carry out an extensive Pre-Application Community Consultation (PACC), involving a Public Consultation event in September 2018 and targeted consultations during 2018 and 2019.  

We anticipate planning permission for this exciting new centre on campus will be granted in the autumn.