Tall & Urban News

Farrans has secured a £50 million (US$55.8 million) contract to build the new City Quays 3 project on behalf of Belfast Harbor, the largest development project undertaken by the client to date.

The new office tower will be capable of accommodating up to 1,800 people, and will be built near the M3 Lagan Bridge, on a vacant site beside the City Quays 2 building, which is currently home to broadcaster UTV and various other businesses.

John Armstrong, managing director of the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), welcomed the appointment of Farrans just four months after planning approval was secured.

“Farrans, with its direct workforce and supply chain, will bring a wealth of experience to the project and, at a time of ongoing political and economic uncertainty, the project’s commencement will come as a significant economic boost locally,” Armstrong said.

Belfast Harbor’s chief executive, Joe O’Neill, described City Quays 3 as one of the largest strategic investments ever undertaken by the company.

“We’re delighted to award the contract to a local construction company,” Joe commented.

“In addition to supporting 500 local construction jobs, the office will build upon City Quays’ success by providing strategic accommodation to meet demand for grade-A, city-center office space.”

Glenn Gilmore, regional director at Farrans, said Farrans was delighted to be awarded the contract on City Quays 3.

“The award of this prestigious contract, within the heart of the City Quays waterfront scheme, re-establishes our relationship with Belfast Harbor Commissioners,” Glenn pointed out.

“Our team have been heavily involved behind the scenes, and this announcement is a testament to the professionalism and expertise of all our team working on the project to date.”

The City Quays 3 application was submitted in May 2017 and sent to DfI for consideration.

It was passed three months after new decision-making powers were given to Northern Ireland civil servants in the absence of Stormont ministers.

For more on this story go to PBCToday.