New vision for rundown city site

A rundown site in Belfast city centre is to be revitalised

A rundown area in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped at a cost of £8m, the government has announced.

The money will turn a former car park in College Avenue/King Street into 95 apartments and three shops.

Social Development Minister David Hanson said the development would bring new life and business opportunities.

"The sympathetic redevelopment of this area is crucial as it is an important gateway connecting the city centre to north and west Belfast," he said.

"We want to strengthen the area and bring direct economic tourism and leisure benefits to the adjoining residential communities."

The site was acquired by the Belfast Regeneration Office, part of the Department for Social Development.

Following an open competition, SP Graham Ltd was selected as the preferred developer and planning approval was secured in early September.

Work on the first phase of the site is expected to begin in early January 2006.