A former guesthouse that's lay empty for over ten years has highlighted the need for "regeneration and transformation" in South Belfast, a councillor has said.
The Botanic Lodge, which stood on the corner of Botanic Avenue and Mount Charles, has been closed for over ten years.
In one of the main thoroughfare areas in the city for both students and workers, the large site has been allowed to become rundown and boarded up - an eyesore amongst the other businesses operating in the area.
In 2019, a project to transform the former B&B into an apartment building with an opportunity for retail units on the ground level was given the green light.
Rapsand Ltd, Co Tyrone based Estate Management Services, applied to demolish the former guesthouse at 87-91 Botanic Avenue and build a four-storey development.
Their planning application stated: "Proposed Demolition of existing Guest House and replace with 2No cafe/retail Units + ATM on ground floor and 21 No Apartments above with access via Mount Charles and have partial basement for storage of bicycles etc (for apartment use only)."
A disguise was applied to the derelict building around 2015 but since then, hoarding has been placed around the site which has attracted graffiti.
South Belfast SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has said that buildings such as the former Botanic Lodge and others in the Botanic, Shaftesbury Square and Great Victoria Street areas that have been allowed to fall derelict prove the need for "sustained, targeted, cross-departmental investment" in the area.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Cllr McKeown said: "Botanic Avenue, and the area right down through Shaftesbury Square into Great Victoria Street and the Dublin Road, are perfectly located for regeneration and transformation, but we need the strategic leadership to deliver this.
"The area is nestled between Queen's and the city centre, with excellent transport links given the proximity of the new transport hub and the Westlink, so there is a real opportunity to make it a social, living and business hub.
"The area also benefits from fantastic architectural heritage, with many buildings in the area reflecting the real character of Belfast. We need to be looking to bring many of these properties back to life, adapted for modern use but retaining the historic contribution they make to the area."
He continued: "People have looked on in frustration for years as parts of the area have fallen on hard times, with many properties boarded up and covered in graffiti, which in turn creates an impression that the area is neglected. This makes investment less attractive, so it becomes a vicious cycle. A number of businesses have done a fantastic job in keeping the heart of the area beating, but we need sustained, targeted, cross-departmental investment and creativity to support the area and release the potential that it offers.
"Given the perfect location of this area and its history, it's unbelievable that it faces so many issues, but there's a real opportunity here to turn it around and make it a hive of activity on the fringe of the city centre."
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