COOKSTOWN building contractor McAleer & Rushe has unveiled its second major contract in as many days after securing a £52 million student housing project in Portsmouth.
The firm will work with Threesixty Developments on the 1,000 bed scheme.
The project which involves the conversion of an office block and newly built extension was designed by McAleer & Rushe with Belfast architects Urban Innovations.
Construction work is due to complete in 2017.
Earlier this week, McAleer & Rushe said it had secured a £26m contract to build what will be Europe’s largest Hampton by Hilton at Stansted Airport.
Martin Magee, managing director of McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK, said the Portsmouth contract "marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of the now derelict Zurich House, which has been an important talisman building for many in Portsmouth".
"This regeneration will have a significant revitalising impact of this area around Portsmouth and Southsea Station. Our new partnership with Threesixty is leading to further opportunities in development and construction for both companies in the UK and Ireland."
Bob Crompton, CEO of Threesixty Developments, added: “We’re thrilled to be working together with McAleer & Rushe on this exciting development in such a key position in Portsmouth’s city centre.
"Following extensive consultation with the public and Portsmouth City Council we chose a design that will retain the essence of Zurich House and leave the Portsmouth skyline as so many people know it today.
"The new boulevard will also provide well located retail space and open up access to Victoria Park, we hope that the residents of Portsmouth will like the new addition to their city.”
