A listed Presbyterian Church Hall beside the Westlink is to be converted into a base for the Ulster Orchestra.
At the most recent meeting of Belfast City Council ’s Planning Committee, elected representatives agreed to an application by Townsend Street Presbyterian Church for a change of use from a Church Hall to offices at 32 Townsend Street, which links Peter’s Hill at the bottom of the Shankill Road to the bottom of the Falls Road, adjacent to the Westlink. Both the church and church hall are listed buildings. The church hall is a three storey detached hall, built in 1876-78 as a school, lecture hall and sexton's house.
The council report states: “The proposal is for a change of use of a listed building. The Old School House, which currently has class D1 community usage, is in use as a Church Hall associated with Townsend Street Presbyterian Church – which is also a listed building.
