Overview

Thompsons Garage, located at 3 Pattersons Place, Belfast, opened its doors in 1994. As the city's first purpose-built club dedicated to promoting various genres of dance music, Thompsons Garage has become an iconic venue in Belfast's nightlife scene. Plans are now underway to extend the club into 51-53 Upper Arthur Street.

Historical Background

Early Development

Thompsons Garage was established in 1994 with the aim of creating a dedicated space for dance music enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted numerous local and international DJs, becoming a cornerstone of Belfast’s club culture.

Current Location and Future Expansion

Currently situated at 3 Pattersons Place, Thompsons Garage is set to expand into 51-53 Upper Arthur Street. The building at 51-53 Upper Arthur Street, a two-story commercial property built in 1988, will undergo significant redevelopment to accommodate the club's extension.

Redevelopment Timeline

2007: Initial Planning Proposal

In May 2007, Latam Espana Ltd submitted a planning application (Z/2007/1254/F) proposing the development of a six-story office building with ground-floor retail at 51-53 Upper Arthur Street. This application was approved in December 2007, but no redevelopment work commenced.

2015: Beer Garden Addition

In December 2015, Endless Music Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2016/0161/F) to convert the existing building at the rear of Thompsons Garage into a new beer garden linked to the existing bar. This application was approved, enhancing the club's amenities.

2017: The Terrace Development

In June 2017, Endless Music Ltd submitted another planning application (LA04/2017/1350/F) for a single-storey rear extension and the erection of a rear external terrace with stairs on the 1st and 2nd floors. Approved in September 2017, this led to the opening of The Terrace, an open-air, two-floor terrace featuring smoking facilities, a full sound system, DJ space, bar, and toilets.

2023: Major Expansion Plans

In March 2023, Endless Music Ltd submitted several planning applications for a significant expansion:

• LA04/2023/2798/F: Proposed extension to Thompsons Garage to include the redevelopment and change of use of Nos. 51-53 Upper Arthur Street from offices to provide a ground floor corner entrance to the nightclub, toilets, a restaurant/café, a street-serving booth, a first-floor extension to the existing nightclub, a part terrace, a first-floor balcony over Upper Arthur Street, public art on the façade, external lighting, and three digital internal window display screens.

• LA04/2023/2797/A: Public art on the Upper Arthur Street façade and three digital internal window display screens.

• LA04/2023/2791/DCA: Demolition of sections of the front and side elevations at 3 Pattersons Place and 51-53 Upper Arthur Street.

These applications were approved in June 2024.

Key Features of the Redevelopment

The redevelopment of Thompsons Garage includes:

• A ground floor corner entrance to the nightclub

• New toilets and a restaurant/café

• A street-serving booth

• A first-floor extension to the existing nightclub

• A terrace and first-floor balcony over Upper Arthur Street

• Public art on the Upper Arthur Street façade

• External lighting

• Three digital internal window display screens