The iconic pub and nightclub site on Belfast’s Dublin Road is to be demolished following planning approval for a 201-bed student accommodation.

The site at the corner of Dublin Road and Ventry Street has been the location of many drinking establishments and is currently the site of Filthy McNasty’s, Ventry Social, Liquor XXX and a bookmakers.

Acting on behalf of FMN Properties, O’Toole & Starkey secured permission for the project, which will also include a ground floor retail unit.

When completed the new 11-storey building will include 155 cluster bedrooms and 46 studios.

Belfast City Council’s planning report said the new development was sustainable. It also said the scale of the building was acceptable and would meet the need for student accommodation in the area.

The construction development has an estimated cost of £7 and will sustain 123 construction jobs, including new FTE opportunities.

It represents further work to increase the amount of student accommodation in the area. South Bank Square has applied for permission for a 610 unit build on the corner of Great Victoria Street and Ventry street, the site of the current Fanum House.

Queen’s University is also seeking permission for 469 units on the former Movie House Cinema site.