Developer McAlister Holdings has submitted plans for a new 37-floor landmark tower in the heart of the city of Belfast which would become the tallest building in Northern Ireland, and second in Ireland only to the U2 tower in Dublin, website Belfast Today reported.
Developer McAlister Holdings has submitted plans for a new 37-floor landmark tower in the heart of the city of Belfast which would become the tallest building in Northern Ireland, and second in Ireland only to the U2 tower in Dublin, website Belfast Today reported.
The 109-metre Aurora project will be significantly higher than the 29-storey Obel structure currently being developed in the city centre, but will still fall 21 metres shorter then the tower the Irish rock supergroup is planning in Dublin to house its recording studios at the top-floor.
Plans for Ulster's highest building have been submitted for approval to the planning service and construction is scheduled for completion in a two-year period. 'Belfast is catching up with other leading cities in the UK and proposals like this should be seen as setting the tone for 21st century development in Belfast city centre', said Bill Morrison of Strategic Planning.
The EUR 136.4 mln tower, designed by the internationally acclaimed HKR Architects, will stand on Great Victoria Street, at the corner of Ventry Street. It will house 650 m2 of prime commercial space including an exclusive restaurant, 291 luxury apartments, a residents' gym and 146 parking spaces. The tower will feature energy efficient design qualities and a specially-commissioned roof-top light feature which simulates the northern lights at night.
McAlister Holdings's managing director Mervyn McAlister said that 'Aurora will set a new benchmark for residential and commercial development in the city centre. It will be recognised as the most exciting and innovative scheme of its type ever built in Northern Ireland', McAlister added.
