The transformation of a long-vacant former BHS department store in Belfast city centre has created a high-specification retail and leisure destination. Delivered through deep structural retrofit rather than demolition, the project retains almost the entire existing steel frame and all original foundations. The development includes retail units for Apple, H&M and Deichmann, with the Apple store representing the first worldwide deployment of the brand's new global retail format.
A compelling example of deep retrofit and adaptive reuse applied to an ordinary commercial building. Detailed investigation, high-quality documentation and confident engineering judgement enabled almost complete retention of the existing structure and foundations. The project demonstrates how refurbishment can provide substantial environmental benefits even where heritage considerations are limited. It offers an important lesson for the profession by showing that thorough understanding of existing assets can unlock viable alternatives to demolition and redevelopment.