The Council has a three-step approach in dealing with sites that are considered to be barriers to the regeneration of Central City. These sites are referred to as barrier sites.
If left unrepaired they can lead to negative perceptions of the city for visitors and investors and, in some cases, they disrupt the operation of the transport network.
We also want to encourage action to tidy up cleared vacant sites and gravel car parks. Litter, unmanaged vegetation and unmaintained hoardings paint a poor image of the city and undermine perceptions of personal safety, especially at night.
The Barrier Sites are separated into two categories:
- sites where intentions are yet to be confirmed or are subject to insurance disputes and
- sites with a commitment to action
Sites are considered to have a ‘commitment to action’ where plans and intentions for restoration and/or redevelopment are conveyed to the Council or plans to action a site are in motion i.e. project scoping.
Each Barrier Site has its own complex issues and so the decision as to whether it is removed from the Barrier Sites Programme is a judgement of the owner’s current intentions and actions. The types of matters that the Council will take into consideration include whether or not consents have been granted, whether works have commenced and whether the building owner has demonstrated reasonable progress in fulfilling a commitment to action.
The table below shows the way we will work with owners. The emphasis is on providing support and assistance. As a last resort, fees and enforcement action will be considered.
Action, investment and regeneration
| Dialogue, support and incentives |
|
| Adding pressure |
|
| Enforcement and regulation |
|
We define barrier sites as:
- Unoccupied buildings which are in a very poor state of repair.
- Cordoned sites and/or buildings which encroach into public footpaths or road space that affect traffic and pedestrian movement. Cordoned sites include those where propping or containers are used to support damaged buildings.
- Sites where foundation work is required and which need to be fenced off for public safety.
This work is focused on Central City. An initial list of 30 properties(external link) was identified and, as progress is achieved, sites may be removed or re-categorised. A number of further sites have been added over the years.
The table below shows current sites and their status. The next update will be in March 2025.
Key progress since the last update in September 2023 includes:
- 226-234 Cashel Street (former IRD building): This property was purchased by Hereford Holdings Ltd in the spring of 2023. With its foundation strengthening now complete, it is in the process of refitting to meet the needs of office, retail and hospitality tenants. It has been removed from the programme.
- 170 Oxford Terrace (Former Noahs/Rydges hotel): Demolition of the podium and retail premises along Worcester Boulevard was completed in December 2023. Demolition of the parking building is in progress. Work to reinstate the hotel will continue into 2025.
- 214 Tuam Street (Odeon site): The containers supporting this building have now been removed.
Sites with a commitment to action (11)
| Street | Number | Also known as |
| Lichfield Street | 92 | Sargoods |
| Oxford Terrace | 170 | Former Rydges Hotel |
| Tuam Street | 179 | Sol Square (part) |
| Victoria Street | 91 | Victoria Mansions |
| Hereford Street | 159 | Malvern House |
| Worcester Street | 116 | Kaplan / State Insurance |
| Tuam Street | 214 | Odeon Theatre |
| High Street | 141 | Duncan's Buildings |
| Peterborough Street | 25 | Peterborough Centre / Apartments |
| Cambridge Terrace | 137 | Harley Building |
| Hereford Street | 161 | Hereford Suites |
Sites where the intentions are yet to be confirmed or are subject to an insurance dispute (2)
| Street | Number | Known as |
| Manchester Street | 205 | Blue Jean Cuisine |
| Armagh Street | 119 | Former PWC Building |