Overview of 39 Corporation Street

39 Corporation Street is a disused 42,000 sq ft office building located in Belfast. Constructed in 1990 and completed in 1991, the building was designed by Todd Architects (also known as Barrie Todd Architects). Initially, it was known as "The Design Centre".

Historical Background

The site's history dates back to the 1800s when it was home to the S.S. McConnell and Sons Distillery. The distillery featured a dense complex of large-scale brick-built sheds and warehouses, which were destroyed by a fire in 1909. The area was subsequently repurposed throughout the 20th century for various commercial uses, including storage and distribution.

Development and Ownership

The current structure was developed in the 1990s for Tetra Enterprises Ltd. In January 1998, Dunloe Ewart acquired The Design Centre from Tetra Enterprises for £2.5 million. Following a refurbishment, the building was rebranded as 39 Corporation Street. In 2015, the property was acquired by Wirefox and leased to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Future Development Plans

In May 2024, Corporation Street Properties Ltd (Elkstone Partners) submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (LA04/2024/0881/PAN) to demolish 39 Corporation Street. The proposed project includes constructing an 850-bed purpose-built managed student accommodation facility. This development will feature clusters and studios, a landscaped courtyard, a roof terrace, communal facilities, and related site and access work. This will be Elkstone Partners' second student accommodation project in Belfast, following the successful development at Bradbury Place.

In 28th July 2024, the online consultation for 39 Corporation Street student accommodation development went live at https://www.39corporationstreet.com/public-consultation

In November 2024, Corporation Street Properties Ltd (Elkstone Partners) submitted a planning application (LA04/2024/2044/F) proposing the construction of a purpose-built student accommodation complex with 895 rooms, spread across buildings ranging from 9 to 20 stories. The development will include shared facilities, both indoor and outdoor communal spaces, such as a landscaped courtyard and rooftop terraces. Outside of term time, up to 50% of the rooms may be used for short-term rentals, while the remaining 50% may be allocated for students from further or higher education institutions.