Telecoms giant BT is moving forward with the development of a modern new office space in Belfast.

Representing one of BT's most significant investments in Northern Ireland, this project will see Riverside Tower modernised, creating 160,000 sq ft of new office space to accommodate more than 2000 BT employees. 

Northern Ireland construction firm GRAHAM has been awarded a contract to fit-out the 13-storey building, developing new facilities and services which include flexible workstations, meeting rooms featuring smart technology, communal areas, improved IT systems, multi-faith rooms and areas to optimise health and wellbeing.

Up to 15 local supply chain partner companies will support the project. GRAHAM will also collaborate with project managers, Faithful+Gould, quantity surveyor Thomas and Adamson, mechanical and electrical services consultants WSP and Michael Laird Architects on the scheme.

Commenting on the partnership with BT in Belfast, Mark Gibson, Managing Director of GRAHAM's Interior Fit-Out division, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this major project that will create a fantastic future-fit workplace for BT. When it is finalised, it will help BT transform the way it works and how it serves its ever-growing customer base. 

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"This is our highest value fit-out contract to date in Belfast and the award demonstrates our reputation for delivering quality and customer service excellence in the office sector. GRAHAM has completed a significant portfolio of projects in the city, including Erskine House and Eagle Star House, and, once again, we look forward to showcasing our technical expertise and sustainability credentials on behalf of one of the UK and Ireland's biggest companies at one of Belfast’s most iconic office buildings."

The modernisation project is part of BT's five-year Better Workplace Programme which is a major investment to "help BT modernise" and consolidate its estate to around 30 locations from 300.

The investment from BT will make this project one of the biggest office refurbishments in Northern Ireland in recent years.

Graeme Paton, BT's managing director of property and facility services, added: "Our refurbished building in Belfast will bring our people together in an impressive and modern collaborative environment, transforming the way we work.  

"Belfast will continue to be an important location for BT Group, and our colleagues at Riverside Tower will benefit from working in a completely refurbished future-fit office which sits in the heart of the city. The buildings we work in play a huge part in how we feel and how we collaborate with each other, so we are looking forward to transforming our Belfast office for our colleagues to enjoy as many more of us start to return to our offices over the next few months."

The Belfast scheme marks the fourth collaboration between GRAHAM and BT — a relationship that stretches back to August 2019 when GRAHAM successfully delivered a modernisation programme at BT's Dublin offices (Grand Canal Plaza).