Tech group Kainos will begin construction work on its new Belfast headquarters in September.
The announcement follows a decision by Belfast City Council on Tuesday evening to grant planning permission for two major developments on the former Movie House cinema site on the Dublin Road.
Alongside Kainos’ new 14-storey Bankmore Exchange office building, the committee approved an application for a 459-unit student accommodation development for Queen’s University on the adjoining site.
The planning approval means Trademarket Belfast’s hospitality pop-up venture is due to come to an end at the former cinema site this summer.
In a statement on behalf of Kainos, the digital services group confirmed Trademarket’s lease will end on July 31 2024.
It said work on the new office build will commence in September, with plans to occupy the new offices in early 2027.
Queen’s University’s new £35 million student scheme is due to be open for September 2026.
Kainos originally bought the former Movie House cinema in 2019 for around £7 million as part of its strategy to centralise all its Belfast staff in a single location.
The digital services group employs around 3,100 people worldwide, including around 1,100 in Northern Ireland.
The Dublin Road site came with planning permission for a 250,000 sq ft office development.
But Kainos downsized the office proposal in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and later sold 60% of the site to Queen’s University for £6.2m.
In a statement, Kainos said its lease arrangement with Trademarket involved £60,000 in rental proceeds being donated to the Trussell Trust food bank.
Earlier this week, the London-listed tech group indicated it made a pre-tax profit of around £76m in the last financial year.
Russell Sloan, who took over as Kainos chief executive in September 2023, said: This development not only marks a significant milestone in our journey but also reaffirms our commitment to Belfast, the city where Kainos was founded.
“As we look to the future, we are eager to continue making a positive impact, driving growth, and creating new opportunities in the region.
He added: “I would also like to take a moment to thank Trademarket for their partnership. As they move on to new ventures, we wish them every success.”
