Post by Drees & Sommer UK

We’re proud to see Cathedral Buildings, Belfast shortlisted for the RICS Regional Awards 2026. After the 2022 fire, the building was left heavily damaged, with only the external structure remaining. The focus was on stabilising the building, retaining as much of its original fabric as possible, and bringing it back into use. Our Building Surveying team supported the refurbishment through structural instability, prolonged exposure to the elements, complex insurance processes and tight heritage constraints; often with multiple parties involved at every stage. What made the difference was keeping things steady when it mattered most: making informed decisions, taking the time to stabilise the building properly, and keeping everyone aligned as challenges emerged. Now back in use as workspace and retail, the building is already playing its part in the wider Cathedral Quarter again.