Multi Development Corporation's plans for the redevelopment of Victoria Square in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have been given the green light.
Northern Ireland's Department of the Environment has approved the plans for more than 75,250 sq m of development, including a 50,000 sq m shopping mall anchored by a 18,300 sq m House of Fraser department store.
In addition to the retail space, the scheme will provide 90 new apartments overlooking the River Lagan, a library, gastrodome, restaurants, pubs and a 1,000-space underground car park. The aim of the scheme is to link the existing retail core with the Laganside regeneration area.
Northern Ireland social development minister Des Browne welcomed the decision. 'The development scheme for Victoria Square offers regeneration on a scale never seen before in the city centre, and this is demonstrated by the broad political support,' he said.
The scheme was first mooted in 1999, when Belfast City Council invited developers to come forward with proposals to plug the existing gap in Belfast's retail provision.
MDC's proposals for Victoria Square were selected as the preferred solution in 2000, but since then the scheme has had to endure legal challenges and delays because of the collapse of Northern Ireland's devolved government.
But now the scheme is back on track the developers hope to have it open by 2006. Donaldsons is the letting agent.
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