TODD - Mixed-Use Development - Belfast, Customs House Square
Date: 25 Jul 2008
BELFAST'S latest iconic structure will reflect a growing European influence on the city a leading architect claimed today.
Standing 14 storeys high, the multi-million pound sail-like building has been aptly christened 'The Boat.' Located at Customs House Square, it is due for completion early next year.
The curvaceous building, designed by city-based architectural practice, TODD, will comprise four levels of high-end apartments, eight levels of office space and a ground floor bar with mezzanine restaurant and basement car parking.
On each of the residential floors, there will be two apartments, and the two uppermost apartments will have double-height spaces and mezzanine decked areas affording striking views of the Belfast cityscape.
The project is particularly notable in that it's one of the last to be designed by well-known Belfast architect, Barrie Todd, before retiring from private practice some years ago. It has two main elevations, one facing out across Donegall Quay and the other offering a panoramic view of Customs House Square. A large timber slatted sunscreen will be installed on the side which looks out onto the river.
Andrew Murray, project associate with TODD, says that interest in the development is likely to be intense:
"I think that people will certainly be very interested and intrigued by this unusual development. Visually, it's very curvaceous and certainly very eye-catching, with excellent views over the city and the River Lagan, and the fit-out will be first class in every respect", he explained.
"The unusual combination of work space and apartments within a single building offers the prospect of 'live-work' opportunities - a concept common in other European cities but until now, largely missing in Belfast."
Andrew Murray continued: "This is probably the first truly mixed-used development in Belfast in that it brings together many different functions, contributing to the vibrancy and vitality of the building yet occupying a single 'footprint'.
"Anyone who is looking for luxurious and convenient city centre living in what is certain to be one of the city's most eye-catching buildings is going to be very excited by this scheme."
Will Miscampbell of Templeton Robinson who are residential agents for the scheme said interest in the eight apartments which form part of the multi-million pound scheme was already high.
"We have already a substantial level of interest and we envisage releasing a number of the apartments towards the end of this year," he revealed. "The fact there will be just two apartments on each of the top four floors with underground car parking accessed by a car lift makes the scheme very attractive from a residential point of view. We're delighted to be involved in what is undoubtedly one of the city's signature projects which so wonderfully reflects the new, emerging face of Belfast."
'The Boat.'
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