Cathedral Buildings was constructed in the early 1900s for tea merchant F.R. Lepper. The B1 Listed building is situated on the south west side of Donegall Street and consists of four floors. The Cathedral Building comprises of solid brick walls with sandstone bands, three large gables, tall chimneystacks and a high pitched Westmoreland slate roof with dormer windows. The Cathedral Buildings is primarily used for office space and is home to a range of businesses, artists and groups.

In September 1995, a planning application was submitted (Z/1995/2768) proposing the refurbishment to the Donegall Street frontage, demolition of rear section of premises and construction of office accommodation incorporating G.L. car parking. This application was approved.

In September 1997, a planning application was submitted (Z/1995/2768R) proposing the construction of a five storey office building at the rear of the Cathedral Buildings incorporating 12 no. ground level car parking spaces. This application was approved and construction later commenced. The five storey office building now houses the Police Ombudsman.

In April 2022, Killycrot Estates Limited submitted a planning application (LA04/2022/1008/LBC) proposing the refurbishment of the Westmoreland slate roof covering, the 2 timber dormer windows, crittall skylight and cast iron downpipes. As part of the works, a new fire barrier system is to be installed, designed and tested in accordance with BS 476, including the installation of a new fire curtain within the roof void of the building in order to continue the compartment walls of the protected stairwell currently within the building. This application was approved in September 2022.

On 3rd October 2022, a large fire broke out at the Cathedral Buildings. More than 50 firefighters and eight fire appliances battled to tackle the blaze at the Cathedral Buildings. The building was significantly damanged and it is believed that the cost of the damage to the buildings and contents is expected to rise beyond £3m. The fire was started deliberately with a man later charged with arson.

In May 2023, Killycrot Estates Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2023/3174/LBC) proposing the reinstatement of a building that had suffered extensive fire damage. The proposed works included the replacement of the roof structure, replacement of windows, stripping out and replacement of internal floor structures (while retaining the existing staircase), and replacement of all internal finishes. This application received approval in December 2023."

Restoration commenced in 2024. The project has used conservation-approved materials and methods, including lime–coal-ash mortar repointing and reinstatement of limestone detailing, oak doors, and interior cornicing. Modern upgrades to electrical, power, and data systems have also been incorporated.

In April 2025, scaffolding was removed, revealing the restored façade on Donegall Street for the first time since the fire.

The restoration project has an estimated value of £3 million and was completed in summer 2025.

In August 2025, Flout CC Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2025/1378/F) proposing change of use from vacant retail (class A1) unit to a Flout pizza slice shop.