City centre offices gain planning permission

Merchant Square is a significant redvelopment and expansion of an existing office block at Wellington Place which is set to provide retail and office space totalling in excess of 250,000 sq ft and capable of accommodating 2,500 people.

Delivery of Merchant Square is anticipated for early 2019 one of several projects aimed at ending the shortage of high grade office accommodation in the city centre.

“Demand for Grade A office space in Belfast is extremely high with a real shortage of quality stock,” said Lisa McAteer, director with commercial property agency CBRE.

“Merchant Square will be vital in delivering much needed supply and will help Belfast to continue to attract global office occupiers.

“The project will also lead to major job creation within the construction sector in Belfast with over 100 jobs being created during the development phase, and upon completion will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 office staff.

“Many companies, particularly working in IT and technology, are seeking work places that can accommodate large numbers of staff in one area, and that also come equipped with high ceilings and plenty of natural lighting, which is exactly what this property will offer once completed.”