Local Development Plan

Existing Development Plan
The BMAP Office Strategy promotes limited dispersal of major office
development to Major Employment Locations at West Lisburn/Blaris and
Purdysburn (see Key Issues 6 & 7 under ‘Driving Sustainable Economic
Growth’).
It states that proposals exceeding 5000m² and 3000m 2 respectively be
considered at these locations if no suitable site can be found within
Belfast or Lisburn City Centre and would otherwise result in the loss of
significant inward investment.
The Strategy promotes office development through the designation of
Lisburn City Centre and Carryduff Town Centre where planning
permission will be granted for office development within Classes A2 and
B1 of the Planning (Use Classes) Order (NI) 2015. These locations lie at
the heart of local transport networks, including public transport.
Promotion of office development within these areas will support
sustainable development, assist urban renaissance and provide jobs in
local areas, which are accessible to all sections of the community.
The Plan states that a town centre location is not always a prime
requirement for certain office users, in particular small scale firms serving
local needs. It permits the development of offices up to 400m² gross
floorspace within the designated District Centre of Forestside and the
designated Local Centre of Dundonald.
Lisburn City Centre Masterplan 2015 (Offices)
Promoting business and office space in urban centres is key establishing
thriving and vibrant local and City Centres, which is a key consideration of
the Lisburn City Centre Masterplan.
This Masterplan recognises the role Lisburn City Centre can play in
accommodating a diversified and export-focused business base.
• Diversifying the range of commercial and business premises
available
• Providing a focus for the business sector which is forecast to grow in
employment terms
• Providing an environment in which the hotel and restaurant can
survive.
The City Centre can play an important role in supplying Lisburn’s Grade A
quality space. Cutting edge architecture combined with a high-quality
public realm will contribute to the creation of a destination that will
appeal to occupiers seeking Grade A accommodation.
The Masterplan also identifies possible edge-of-centre locations that
provide opportunity for larger floorspace requirements and mixed use
ground floor levels.
In addition to these prime and edge-of-centre office space
considerations, it is also encouraged that where underutilised historic
properties exist suitable conversions should be supported to cater for
small business enterprises. Serviced offices built for purpose for small and
medium sized enterprises are also critical to establishing a core business
area in City Centre locations.
Key Issues and Options 115