ON SITE
Killowen commences Belfast aparthotel
Newry-based Killowen Contracts has been appointed as main contractor for the new Staycity Aparthotel Belfast city centre, with works underway on site. The project will transform Beaufort House, a nine-storey, 46,000sqft office building on Wellington Place formerly home to HMRC offices, into Staycity’s first aparthotel in Northern Ireland featuring 98 studio and one-bedroom apartments. Brian McGivern, Managing Director at Killowen Contracts, said, “Securing the project is a major milestone for Killowen Contracts and a fantastic addition to our portfolio. “This project showcases our expertise in delivering complex, transformative schemes and reinforces our commitment to creating landmark buildings that benefit both our clients and the wider community. Our team is looking forward to delivering a development that sets a new standard for hospitality in Belfast.” Killowen Contracts is working alongside leading Northern Ireland developer Lotus Property and Staycity Group, an Irish hotel group expanding its presence across key European cities. www.killowencontracts.co.uk
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.
Arup leads Planetarium redevelopment
Arup has been appointed to lead a major redevelopment of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP), working with Grimshaw and TODD Architects. The project will conserve the exceptional Georgian observatory buildings of Ireland’s pre-eminent centre for astronomical research and deliver a new planetarium showcasing pioneering LED dome technology in a first for the UK and Ireland. David Algie, Director, Arup, said, “Arup is proud to play an important role in this initiative, helping to inspire
researchers and surrounding communities for generations to come, and creating an exceptional visitor experience that will support wider economic development across the Armagh region.” Jim Mulholland, Director, TODD Architects, said, “The Observatory itself has an extraordinary, globally-significant legacy of scientific discovery and academic research stretching back to the late 18th century. Our ambition is to carefully build on that history, ensuring AOP continues to inspire curiosity, academic research and scientific exploration for generations to come.” www.arup.com/www.toddarch.com
QMAC to construct youth centre
QMAC Construction has been appointed by Belfast City Council to deliver Ardoyne Youth Enterprise Centre, a c£2.8m four- storey new build. The Centre will be based on the site of the former Ardoyne shops on Crumlin Road, with Belfast Mayor Tracy Kelly helping cut the first sod to mark the commencement of works in late February. Developed by Farren Architects
Artist’s impression of Ardoyne Youth Enterprise Centre.
in collaboration with Mark Hackett Architects, it brings together youth, creative and social enterprises within a new shared building redefining one of the city’s most complex interface zones. It will provide a mix of digital learning studios, office accommodation and open-plan meeting spaces for young people from the Ardoyne, Marrowbone, Woodvale and Oldpark areas. The project is supported through the Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative, Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, The Clothworkers’ Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation. To be considered as part of QMAC Construction’s supply chain, please send your details to info@qmacconstruction.com. www.qmacconstruction.com
Artist’s impression of Staycity Aparthotel Belfast.
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