Multi Development Corporation (MDC) has unveiled images of its £200m plans for the redevelopment of Belfast’s Victoria Square, shedding further light on how one of the largest covered retail spaces in Europe will look.
Th Dutch developer plans a 74,320 sq m (800,000 sq ft) scheme at the site, which borders Victoria Street, William Street, Chichester Street and Ann Street.
The images show a 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) department store which will replace IDB House at the corner of Victoria and Chichester Streets. Churchill House will also be refurbished. A giant glass dome will surround Victoria Square, encompassing 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft) of restaurants, rooftop gardens, and a 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) children’s library, called the Centre for Curiosity and Imagination.
MDC managing director Nico Veldhuis said: “Our goal is to help Belfast to develop as a 24-hour city with a thriving new retail centre incorporating an internationally renowned department store, restaurants, bars, a health club, housing, offices and car-parking. Victoria Square will be one of the largest covered spaces in a retail development anywhere in Europe.”
Veldhuis added: “These images clearly demonstrate why our plans for Victoria Square are the leading urban regeneration project in Europe. With this planning application we have indicated that we wish to proceed on site as early as possible. These detailed plans really start to show how the scheme will look. They are based upon no less than 17 different buildings across the site, each with their own distinctive architectural styles.
“The scheme will provide 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) of shopping, together with 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) for other uses including the new children’s library, health club, restaurants and residential.”
EGi News 26/06/01
