Northern Ireland-based developer McAleer & Rushe has signed a £70m ($101m) contract with Queen’s University Belfast to develop student housing on two of its city centre sites in Belfast.
The project on McClintock Street will include a 476-bed scheme as part of a mixed-use student and hotel project.
The College Avenue site will house 680 cluster bedrooms, as well as 95 studios.
The projects, currently under consideration by the Belfast City Council Planning Service, are anticipated to be completed in mid-2018.
McAleer & Rushe property director Stephen Surphlis said: “The projects, which are estimated to generate around 550 jobs during the construction phase and 75 long-term jobs, will also make a significant contribution in the on-going regeneration of Belfast City Centre, bringing major economic benefits for nearby retail and leisure businesses and added vibrancy to the heart of our capital.”
Queen’s vice-chancellor Patrick Johnston added: “As part of Queen’s ambitious plans for growth, this much-needed student accommodation within walking distance to Queen’s, city centre amenities and transport links, will ensure the university continues to attract the brightest local, national and international students to study in Belfast.”
