Victoria Square set for opening

By Colletta Smith
BBC News

The dome provides panoramic views of the city

The newest landmark on the Belfast skyline is to open to the public.

The Victoria Square shopping centre will increase the amount of shops in central Belfast by one third.

In his first public appearance since his resignation, First Minister Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness have attended an opening function.

Social Development Secretary Margaret Richie said the opening on Thursday would mark an injection of confidence in the local economy.

Ms Richie said: "Now we can see an example of a live, work and play area for all of the people who live here".

VICTORIA SQUARE 1.8 hectres of land 17 different buildings 98 shop units 106 apartments 1,000 car parking spaces 3,000 construction staff 3,000 retail staff In pictures: The new centre

Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said he was the "happiest person in all of Northern Ireland" to see this project eventually come to completion.

The £400m regeneration connects the city centre with the newly redeveloped Waterfront area.

The flagship House of Fraser store is the biggest in the UK, and will offer new brands to Northern Ireland including Ted Baker and Hamleys.

Paul Sargent, Managing Director of Multi Development UK, which is in charge of the project, said: "This is a new social and cultural meeting point of a once divided city."

Victoria Square is Northern Ireland's largest retail-led regeneration

T+T Design, the architects of the project, have created two covered multi-level streets linked by the massive glass dome.

The Jaffe Fountain, constructed in the 1870s, has been restored at the entrance to the centre in honour of the leading Belfast Victorian businessman.

Multi Development UK have revealed that they are currently looking at other projects in Northern Ireland.

Many of the shops in Victoria Square will be opening on Thursday but others including the eight-screen Odeon Cinema will not be opening until June.