A new 'iconic' structure planned for Belfast will reflect a growing European influence on the city, a leading architect claimed today.

Standing 14 storeys high, the multi-million pound sail-like building has been aptly christened 'The Boat'. Located at Customs House Square, it is due for completion early next year.

The curvaceous building, designed by city-based architectural practice, TODD, will comprise four levels of high-end apartments, eight levels of office space and a ground floor bar with mezzanine restaurant and basement car parking.

On each of the residential floors, there will be two apartments, and the two uppermost apartments will have double-height spaces and mezzanine decked areas affording striking views of the Belfast cityscape.

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The project is particularly notable in that it's one of the last to be designed by well-known Belfast architect, Barrie Todd, before retiring from private practice some years ago. It has two main elevations, one facing out across Donegall Quay and the other offering a panoramic view of Customs House Square. A large timber slatted sunscreen will be installed on the side which looks out onto the river.

Andrew Murray, project associate with TODD, said interest in the development is likely to be intense.

"I think that people will certainly be very interested and intrigued by this unusual development. Visually, it's very curvaceous and certainly very eye-catching, with excellent views over the city and the River Lagan, and the fit-out will be first class in every respect.

"The unusual combination of work space and apartments within a single building offers the prospect of live-work opportunities - a concept common in other European cities but until now, largely missing in Belfast.

"This is probably the first truly mixed-used development in Belfast in that it brings together many different functions, contributing to the vibrancy and vitality of the building yet occupying a single footprint," he added.

(VB/JM)