O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors were delighted to act on behalf of Queen’s University, Belfast in their latest innovative ventures involving both the Student Centre and Management School.
The Queen’s Student Centre officially opened its doors in September 2022, offering students an enhanced university experience. O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors were integral in obtaining the intoxicating liquor licence for the new premises which contained some of the most entrepreneurial licensing plans ever seen in Northern Irish Courts.
The process commenced back in 2018 when Queen’s University, Belfast made the decision to demolish the Students’ Union building and replace it with a modern Student Centre – a state of the art facility encompassing the centralisation of all student services within the one building. The Student Centre is also home to two bars, the Union Bar and the Wee Bar alongside two outdoor terraces. There is a partitioning wall to allow for separate designated areas for those who wish to enjoy themselves without alcohol.
Commercial director, Seamus McGranaghan, applied for a provisional grant of licence for the new premises in March 2021. The licence was provisionally granted while construction works were underway. After construction works were complete, O’Reilly Stewart appeared in court for the final grant of the licence. The Queen’s Student Centre opened its doors on Monday 12th September, just in time for the new academic term.
Another exciting project has been the expansion of the Queen’s Management School – involving the creation of a new 6,000 square metre building adjacent to the Riddel Hall. The new building is set to host academic researchers and postgraduate students and provide new spaces for teaching and ancillary research, support, and social accommodation. Again, O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors acted for Queen’s University, Belfast in obtaining the intoxicating liquor licence for the new premises. The final grant of licence was applied for and granted by the Court in April 2023 with the new premises set to open later on this year.
O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors are proud to be instrumental in such momentous projects on behalf of our client, Queen’s University Belfast.
Seamus McGranaghan can offer expert advice to any business wishing to license their premises. Please do not hesitate to contact Seamus on 02890321000 for more information.