The doors are set to open on the much-anticipated Victoria Square, as Belfast's newest shopping centre gets ready for it's grand opening.

A spectacular launch party is promised as the opening gets underway at 10am on Thursday morning.

Making his first public appearance since announcing his resignation, First Minister Ian Paisley will open the centre along with Martin McGuinness.

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Social Development Secretary Margaret Richie said the opening on Thursday would mark an injection of confidence in the local economy.

Ms Richie said: "Now we can see an example of a live, work and play area for all of the people who live here."

The £400m regeneration will see the amount of shops in central Belfast by one third.

Paul Sargent, Managing Director of Multi Development UK, which is in charge of the project, said: "This is a new social and cultural meeting point of a once divided city."

The distinctive glass dome of the centre has also become a prominent feature of the Belfast skyline since work began on the project in 1998.

The centre will feature a host of major retailers, including the UK's biggest House of Fraser store.

(NS/JM)