17-21 Winetavern Street, BT1 1JQ
About 17-21 Winetavern Street
The proposed development is situated at Nos. 17–21 Winetavern Street located in Belfast City Centre. Winetavern Street is a mixed-use area characterised by commercial ground floor units with upper levels that are either vacant or underutilised. The specific property consists of a traditional red brick three-storey terraced building.
Winetavern Street holds significant historical importance in Belfast’s development. Formerly known as Pipe Lane in the early 19th century, the area was historically associated with clay pipe manufacturing. The Hamilton family operated one of the most notable pipe businesses on the street from at least 1829 until 1929, anchoring it as a hub of artisanal industry.
It also played a vital role in Belfast’s industrial expansion. Notably, Thomas and Andrew Mulholland began their cotton manufacturing activities on Winetavern Street, eventually founding the York Street Flax Spinning Company - one of the most prominent textile enterprises in the region.
In the 20th century, the street became symbolic of Belfast’s tightly knit communities. The Torley family, including Annie Torley and her daughters Angel and Brenda, were long-standing residents and business owners on the street. Their greengrocery and clothing shop catered to generations of locals, embodying a deep-rooted sense of place and continuity.
At present, the ground floor of the building at 17–21 Winetavern Street is used for commercial retail purposes. The upper floors (first and second) are largely vacant or underused.
In May 2025, Ashley Stewart submitted a planning application (LA04/2025/0746/F) proposing:
Change of use of first and second floors from Class A1 (retail) to short-term let accommodation
Amalgamation of existing shop fronts at Nos. 17 and 19 to create a unified commercial façade
Provision of bicycle and bin storage facilities to the rear of No. 19 Winetavern Street
Project Information
Project Team
Loading
Library Street Student Accommodation
Updated a year ago
The development site currently comprises a vacant brownfield site at lands bounded by Library Street (to south); Stephen Street (to west); Little Donegall Street (to north); and Union Street (to east).
Queens Square Apartments
Updated 2 years ago
Queens Street Apartments is an eight storey residential building that comprises of 92 no. apartments (ranging from 1 - 3 bedroms) with basement and ground floor car-parking and is located on the corner of Queens Square and Victoria Street.
Bankmore Exchange
Updated a year ago
Bankmore Exchange, formerly known as One Bankmore Square, was previously the location of a four storey building that housed a cinema and two ground floor commercial units. The cinema comprised of 10 screens with seating capacities ranging from 118 to 436 seats. The cinema opened in July 1993 (Z/1990/2630) under the MGM brand. The cinema changed operators numerous times throughout its history, with Virgin taking over on 4th July 1996, UGC taking over in February 2000 and then later taken over by local independent operator Movie House chain in December 2003. The commercial units had numerous tenants throughout the years too such as the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory, Stiff Kitten, Burger King, Abbots fast food takeway, Stann and Olly's Restaurant and Factory Nightclub. A mutli storey car park was also constructed as part of the cinema project (both built under Z/1990/2630).
