Construction work on a new £17m Belfast apartment building will create 100 jobs for the local economy it has been revealed.
Work on the seven-storey 'Portland 88' has now begun, with the former car park site beside the UTV headquarters on the Ormeau Road to be transformed into 88 turnkey apartments.
English property development company Barnett Developments bought the site in 2015 and commissioned local architects Gregory as designers on the project, which is being managed by leading Co Down firm Graham Construction.
It is expected the development will sustain around 100 jobs during the 21-month build, which is scheduled for completion by December 2018.
The high-spec luxury homes will include a cutting-edge ‘home intelligence security system and modern luxury finishes.
Consisting of 10 one-bedroom apartments, 74 two-bedroom apartments and four three-bedroom luxury apartments, ‘Portland 88’ will cater for 51 car parking spaces as well as 20 communal berths for cyclists.
Barnett Developments CEO Nick Barnett said supporting the local construction industry was a “major driver” behind the development and was looking forward to creating a "truly unique living experience for inner city Belfast".
"There is a growing optimism about Belfast, and we saw the opportunity to lead development of a new offering in city centre living. As confidence has begun to return we are pleased to be bringing something fresh to the local market,” he said.
David Menarys from Colliers said the new development would appeal to young professionals and couples.
"Portland 88’ will be one of the first luxury apartments to be delivered in this area of city centre for a number of years. It is illustrative of a returning confidence in the city, and lies in a prime location with key community facilities and amenities located within a short walking distance of the site."
"This development caters for city centre living as envisaged by Belfast City Council’s Belfast Agenda which aims to see 70,000 more people living in Belfast by 2035," he added.
The 88 apartments have been released for reservation, and specifications can be viewed online at www.portland88.com.
