Wolstenholme Square could become a continental-style square with bars, restaurants and apartments, according to a plan that is recommended for approval at a planning meeting next Tuesday.

The centrepiece of the development will be 11-13 Wolstenholme Square, which will be converted to two retail units and 15 apartments on the upper floors. The underpass linking Wolstenholme Square to Duke Street will be filled in and Tunnage Square will be redeveloped into a four or five storey building with two retail units and seven homes on the upper floors.

David Mahoney, director of Hope Street Properties Ltd, says the plans will bring the area back to life and reduce anti-social behaviour during the day. He says: “The building (at 11-13 Wolstenholme Square) is reported as being the one of the oldest former houses in the city and has a lot of historic interest. It is in a very dilapidated state but we are looking forward to renovating it. Wolstenhome Square is a forgotten area but in a couple of years the whole area could be thriving.”

However, the plans could spell the end for city centre nightspots Kazimier and Nation. A master plan submitted as part of the application shows warehouse buildings housing the two venues could be turned into residential apartments and retail units in 2017 as part of a later planning application, while occupants will only be allowed to move in to the Wolstenholme Square development once the two venues “cease to operate.”

Mahoney adds: “The buildings are in a bad state and are past their economic life. We want to create a continental-style square there and add to the thriving bar and restaurant scene in the Parr Street area.”

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