146-154 Ormeau Road is currently occupied by a SPAR convenience store, café units on the ground floor, and residential units on the upper floors. It is a brownfield site of approximately 0.06 hectares, with a relatively flat topography and existing vehicular access from the adjacent roads.

Planning History

In June 2021, Mr Joe Gibson submitted a planning application (LA04/2021/1523/F) seeking permission for the mixed-use redevelopment of existing roadside properties. The proposal involved demolition and reconstruction to accommodate: (i) an expanded Spar store at ground floor level; (ii) a deli seating area, storage space, and ancillary office accommodation on the first floor; and (iii) three residential apartments on the second floor. This planning application was withdrawn due to changes in the applicant’s brief.

Current Proposal

In April 2025, JHS Gibson Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2025/0673/F) proposing:

• Demolition of all existing buildings on-site

• Construction of a new ground floor retail unit (to be occupied by SPAR) including an ATM and associated back-of-house areas

• Development of seven residential apartments above, spread across two upper floors

Access to the retail unit will be from Ormeau Road, while apartment access will be from Farnham Street and Rutland Street. A shared rear service lane will provide access to dedicated waste storage for both residential and commercial users.

The upper floors will accommodate a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments:

• 4 x 2-bedroom apartments (70–75 m²)

• 2 x 1-bedroom apartments (50–55 m²)

• 1 x 2-bedroom apartment (60–65 m²)

20% of the apartments will be allocated as affordable housing.