£250m city complex approved

Model of proposed plans for Victoria Square

The government has given the green light for one of Europe's biggest shopping developments in Belfast city centre.

Direct rule minister Des Browne said on Monday that work could start immediately on the regeneration of the 15 acre Victoria Square site.

Mr Browne said the potential rewards of the £250m investment were considerable, with 3,000 jobs being created during construction and another 3,000 permanent posts upon completion.

A number of significant issues remain to be resolved and the focus now shifts to the intending developer

Des Browne
NIO minister

The proposals for the development were first put forward four years ago.

But they faced a series of High Court challenges, a planning inquiry and other delays because of the suspension of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government.

The plans by Dutch developer MDC are for 500,000 sq ft of retail space, including provision for a major department store, a hotel, health club, restaurants, apartments and car parking.

It will be centred on two multi-level covered streets linking to a 35 metre-diameter glass dome.

'High quality'

Des Browne said it would add to the attractiveness and economic vitality of Belfast.

"Linkages to Laganside will expand the city centre, while the mix of high quality retail developments, recreational and leisure facilities, as well as new city centre accommodation will create a truly 24 hour city," he said.

A new hotel is planned for Churchill House

"A number of significant issues remain to be resolved and the focus now shifts to the intending developer to put together a suitable package of proposals which address the financial, planning and other issues on which government will need to be satisfied."

The MDC plan involves demolishing IDB House, which would become the site for a department store, and BT's Churchill House office complex would become a hotel. The Victoria Centre would be replaced.

It also proposes a series of smaller retail outlets with 30 luxury apartments and a 20,000 sq ft health club.

Mr Browne also announced that his department would be undertaking a review of its regeneration policy for the city centre retail area.