A major regeneration project in the heart of Belfast will be delivered by the developer arm of McAleer and Rushe.
MRP has been appointed as master-development partner to Translink for the Weaver’s Cross regeneration scheme.
Up to 1.3 million sq ft of mixed-use office, life sciences, residential, student housing, hotels and retail and leisure space is planned for the brownfield site.
Weaver’s Cross sits alongside the new multi-million-pound Belfast Grand Central Station, a NI Executive and Translink project (currently under construction), which is the catalyst for the wider regeneration project valued at £500 million.
Translink is a public transport company comprising NI Railways, Ulsterbus and Metro.
The new station is set to be the “largest integrated, sustainable transport hub” in the country, with bus, coach and train links throughout Northern Ireland, connections to all major international airports and to Dublin.
Belfast Grand Central Station is due to open in 2025.
“This is the most significant transport led development project in NI and MRP shares our vision for regeneration and placemaking to deliver tangible and lasting positive social, economic and environmental benefits,” said Chris Conway, Group chief executive, Translink.
“The international connectivity which the transport hub will bring, along with an imaginative mixed-use development will create an exciting new city centre neighbourhood that will be a catalyst for economic growth.”
Weaver’s Cross already has outline planning permission from Belfast City Council.
Conway previously said Weaver’s Cross will have a 20-year development cycle.
When constructed, it is estimated it will add more than £1 billion to the Northern Ireland economy.
Other firms previously said to be involved:
- GRAHAM (engineering)
- Farrans Sacyr JV (main construction)
“Developing the site requires an experienced and creative team that has at its core the strong social value credentials required to deliver on this ambitious project and we are delighted to have been chosen as that team,” said Stephen Surphlis, managing director, MRP.
“The vision for Weaver’s Cross is a bold one, marrying world-class urban design that incorporates the very latest sustainable practices to create a new neighbourhood for Belfast that will impact positively on all of Northern Ireland.”
Enjoyed this? Try Premier Modular eyes expansion after fresh investment
Get industry news in 5 minutes!
A daily email that makes industry news enjoyable. It’s completely free.