Business

Belfast Harbour announces plans for third City Quays office block

Construction work is under way at City Quays 2
Construction work is under way at City Quays 2 Construction work is under way at City Quays 2

BELFAST Harbour has announced plans to build a third new Grade A office block.

The City Quays 3 development is expected to cost around £30 million.

At 17-storeys high, the building will provide space for up to 1,600 people.

The harbour has appointed RPP Architects to design the project.

City Quays 1 on the harbour estate has already been fully let while Quays 2 is currently under construction and due to complete next June.

The harbour had already been given outline planning permission for the third block of offices under as part of the wider £250m, 20-acre City Quays development.

It is expected a final application will be made early next year in the hope the project can be finished in 2019.

Belfast Harbour property director Graeme Johnston said: “City Quays 3 is aimed at providing much needed office accommodation for both growing indigenous businesses and new market entrants.

"Belfast’s attractiveness as a business location has been evidenced by the types of companies already located within the Harbour Estate and we will continue as part of this project to provide a best-in-class building within which they might choose to locate.

“Demand for ‘Grade A’ city centre office space, which meets the highest standards, remains strong in Belfast. City Quays 1 was fully let within a short period after completion and interest in City Quays 2 is exceptionally strong. We’ve already held initial discussions in the market about City Quays 3 and sentiment is positive.

“By 2020 Belfast Harbour aims to have developed almost 600,000 sq ft within City Quays, having invested over £100m and regenerated the entire City Quays waterfront.”

Harry McConnell from RPP Architects said City Quays 3 would be "a landmark building" on the Belfast skyline.

"For 40 years we have been developing market leading construction projects and see City Quays as not only a boost for the construction industry, but the City as a whole," he said.

Depending on planning and discussions with potential occupiers, work could begin on City Quays 3 as early as the fourth quarter in 2017, the harbour said.

Meanwhile, a separate planning application has also been submitted for a 900-space multi-storey car park required to support the City Quays development with a view to commencing construction as soon as planning is approved.