Structures Shortlisting for Victoria Square

BDP’s Victoria Square in Belfast has been shortlisted in the Commercial or Retail Structures category for the IstructE Structural Awards 08.

Developed by Multi Development UK Ltd, Victoria Square is a landmark, retail-led mixed-use project. BDP was the lead consultant and provided a full interdisciplinary design team for the project including structural engineering.

The £400m scheme connects Belfast city centre with the newly redeveloped Laganside area, regenerating an entire city quarter.

75,000m2 of retail space, including a flagship House of Fraser store, is located on two covered open streets. A two-level food court, restaurant terrace, 106 apartments and eight-screen cinema, all sit above a basement car park for 1,000 cars.

The centrepiece is a dramatic glass dome which features Northern Ireland’s highest public viewing platform. It is a striking new feature on Belfast’s skyline and a symbol of a growing optimism and new found confidence in the city.

Opened to the public on 6 March 2008, the political and economic timing of such a large scale project in Northern Ireland could not have been better. Victoria Square forms part of an important and ambitious urban regeneration project, designed to serve as a catalyst for positive economic development in Belfast.

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner in London on 14 November 2008.