EXCLUSIVE: AN iconic former bank building once used by Occupy Belfast protestors has been sold in a multi-million pound deal.
The Bank of Ireland on Royal Avenue was sold as part of a job lot along with a number of other vacant buildings between North Street and Kent Street.
The art-deco bank was built in 1930 but has lain vacant since 2005 when the bank moved to new premises on Donegall Square South.
Plans were previously submitted to refurbish the building but never came to fruition.
The identity of the buyer of the Grade B+ listed building has not been made immediately known.
The sale was dealt with by agents Lisney and it is understood the property, on the edge of what will become Ulster University's major new Belfast campus, attracted significant interest.
In promotional material, Lisney said the site offered "the opportunity for significant refurbishment or comprehensive redevelopment".
The area has been attractive for developers seeking sites suitable for student accommodation.
Part of the lot included a vacant building on Kent Street for which a previous owner had sought permission to demolish and a nine-story apartment block featuring 89 units.
The former Bank of Ireland building hit the headlines in 2012 when it was used by protestors under the Occupy Belfast banner.
Members of the anti-capitalist movement occupied the building for several months dubbing it "The People's Bank".
In October 2012, a woman and her grandson narrowly escaped injury when a radio was thrown from an upper floor to the pavement below.
The Occupy Belfast movement was inspired by the Occupy Wall Street group which saw hundreds remain in New York's financial district in a demonstration against capitalism.
Lisney placed the bank on the market in May. It is also currently dealing with the sale of the Belfast Telegraph building which is inviting offers around £6 million.
Ulster University is in the process of constructing a new £250m campus near the site with 15,000 students expected to live in and around the area when it is complete by 2018.
