A new book is celebrating Belfast's City Hall – seen by many as the capital's 'architectural centrepiece'.

'Belfast City Hall – An Architectural History', by Dr Paul Larmour, describes the history and architecture of the City Hall, from its inception in 1896 to its completion in 1906.

Dr Larmour is one of Ireland's leading architectural historians.

The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, in partnership with Belfast City Council, has produced the publication, which is published by Colourprint Books.

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Speaking ahead of the publication's launch this evening, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long, who is a civil engineering graduate, commented: "This fascinating publication leaves the reader in no doubt as to why City Hall is not only one of the most memorable buildings in Ireland, but also one of the best of its era in the whole of the British Isles."

From the story of the design competition, to the sources of inspiration for architect Alfred Brumwell Thomas' design for the building and the development of the grounds and its various monuments, the book is said to be packed with interesting facts and features more than 200 illustrations and archive photographs.

(NS/BMcC)