A WORLD-renowned architect has told an international property conference that Belfast is poised to lead the race in global city development.
Speaking to an audience of international developers at MIPIM in Cannes, Polish-American architect, Daniel Libeskind endorsed Belfast as a city on rise, filled with creative energy.
Mr Libeskind, who designed the masterplan for New York’s Ground Zero at the World Trade Center and Berlin’s Jewish Museum praised the city’s dynamism and predicted a waterfront visitor attraction in the future.
“I’ve visited Belfast many times and each time, I’m struck by the young creative energy of a city looking forward. In the competing race for city developments, Belfast, in the near future, is poised to be near the very top, " he said.
“We can anticipate a world class visitor experience and information hub in the heart of Belfast city centre.”
Mr Libeskind, who is collaborating with the Belfast delegation at MIPIM also shared his views on the future for Belfast as a place in which to live, work, learn, enjoy life and invest, shining a light on the importance of cultural attractions and experiences in shaping a sustainable city.
Councillor Donal Lyons, chair of Belfast City Council’s growth and regeneration committee, described Mr Libeskind's words as an "endorsement" for the city.
“Daniel’s words are a real endorsement for Belfast and confirm what we’ve known for some time: our city is a fantastic choice for investors and there really is unlimited potential here, thanks to our natural and built environment, connectivity – and most importantly, our talent base," he said.
“We’ve already engaged with a wide number of serious players about potential investment in Belfast and the surrounding region. They are hugely impressed and refreshed by what we’ve got to offer – talent, innovation, location, fast growth sectors, an outstanding track record for FDI; and of course, our best kept secret, quality of life. Team Belfast is showing the international investment community that we’re the smart choice for investment.”
MIPIM is a world-leading property market expo held each year in Cannes, France. The 2019 Belfast delegation is the largest to date, with almost 100 representatives from the private and public sector showcasing investment opportunities to international investors.
On Tuesday the Belfast delegation outlined details of two multi-million pound investments - a first ever city centre Apart-Hotel and a prime landmark grade A office scheme.
