A project which involved the transformation of three buildings in the city centre of Belfast has taken the top prize at the 2022 CEF Excellence Awards.

Contractor Felix O'Hare was presented with the 'Overall Award' for Merchant Square as the awards returned to an in-person event for the first time in three years.

Over 550 people from across the local construction industry were in attendance at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday 06 October to celebrate the achievements of the sector in Northern Ireland.

The Merchant Square project saw the redevelopment of three existing buildings formerly known as Ferguson, Roysten and Oyster Houses to create circa 210,000 sq/ft of Grade A office space right in the centre of Belfast.


Congratulating the winners, Mark Spence, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation, said: "As the panel of judges themselves commented, given the extremely tight city centre location, retention of existing buildings whilst constructing additional new floor space, their approach to sustainable construction and positive working relationship with their end tenant, Felix O'Hare is a very worthy winner of this year's Overall Award for Merchant Square.

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"The judges also commented on the excellent relationships that Felix O'Hare had with their entire supply chain and how this, through their skills, expertise and teamworking, led to the delivery of a landmark project in the heart of the city centre."

Mr Spence also commended each of the 23 category award winners for their success – particularly those in the Construction Person of the Year categories which focus on the individuals who have either given substantial years of commitment to the industry or are just starting out on their journey as an apprentice.

He added: "Building on their introduction to our Awards last year, the judges have again rewarded a number of people in the industry for their talent, skills and leadership - be they longstanding or emerging. Our sector is built on their crucial contribution and Shannon Doherty (Mascott Construction), Fergal McAliskey (Lotus Homes) and Donal McGloin (Tracey Brothers) should be rightly proud of the recognition they have achieved. 

"We have also, for the first time, introduced a Lifetime Achievement Award. This has been established to recognise the individual that best exemplifies dedication to the pursuit of excellence and leadership in construction throughout their career. In that vein, we are delighted to recognise the career of Desmond Scott, founder of Woodvale Construction, at this year's Awards. 

"Desmond's outstanding commitment and longevity in the construction industry is testament to his core values, which are rooted in family and community. He also has a keen sense of corporate social responsibility providing a lifetime of support to local charity and community groups. Above all else, Desmond has provided leadership that has carried his team through the many challenges faced by the construction industry over the last 42 years, and it is this strength, drive and ability to inspire that makes him a worthy recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award."