BELFAST tech group Kainos has downsized its plans for a new headquarters in the city.
The listed software giant originally announced a 250,000 sq ft office development on the site of the former Dublin Road Movie House cinema to consolidate its Belfast workforce..
But the IT group has changed its plans in response to the impact of the pandemic.
Kainos has now lodged a development brief seeking a contractor to construct a 100,000 sq ft ten-storey office at Bankmore Square.
The new approach would leave a large section of the former Movie House cinema site open to alternative development.
A significant portion of the former cinema site is due to reopen in the interim as a social enterprise street food market.
'Trademarket' is due to open within the coming weeks.
Laura McCarthy, head of property at Kainos said the services group is hoping to see its new headquarters complete by mid-2026.
As an interim measure, Kainos has agreed to lease part of the former bank of Ireland building next to its current base on Upper Crescent.
“Kainos is seeking planning permission to refurbish the building to create additional social and collaboration spaces, as it continues to enhance and adapt its offices to support hybrid working,” said Ms McCarthy.
“Until the development of Bankmore Square starts, the site will be home to an ethical pop-up street food venture from the?Belfast-based social entrepreneur, William Neill.
“Trademarket is set to open for business in Summer 2022, offering a place for the community to come together and playing host to the best of local food and independent retail vendors.
“The temporary lease also ensures the Bankmore Square site is utilised in a positive way now that Kainos have finalised its future office plans.”
