Work is well advanced on an extensive £100 million leisure, commercial and residential development beside St Anne's Cathedral which will regenerate one of Belfast's most historically significant city centre sites.

Scheduled to open in summer 2009 the Saint Anne's Square development is being undertaken by Turnus Ltd - a joint venture company comprising leading urban regeneration specialists CUSP and the construction and development company, Kennedy Group.

The importance of the site in a conservation area required a design sensitive to the distinctive character of the Cathedral Quarter and in sympathy with the architecture of St Anne's Cathedral.

Such exacting design coupled with the mixed-use offer and the potential to create 300 jobs when fully operational, will create a development not only equipped to answer the social and economic needs of the area but also act as a catalyst for ongoing local regeneration.

'Stylish and cosmopolitan' is the theme of this elegant scheme, which will comprise 30,000 square feet of ground floor bars and restaurants with 20,000 square feet of turnkey offices at ground and first floor level.

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Rising over four floors from the second level will be 103 quality residential apartments, which will be released in autumn this year.

Offering a variety of sizes each apartment differs in its shape and features providing "endless possibilities for personal interpretation", according to the developer.

Each apartment will also enjoy the benefit of a secure car park space located in a dedicated area of the adjoining 560 space multi-storey car park.

Northern Ireland's first Ramada Encore Hotel will anchor one corner of the scheme and offer 169 bedrooms and multi-purpose conference suites as well as extensive bar and restaurant facilities.

Building work on the hotel is progressing well with a scheduled opening in Spring 2009.

The focal point of the development will be a new 14,000 square foot European style piazza creating a new public space with potential for performing arts and events.

Complementing this unique mix of city centre living will be the MAC, Belfast's forthcoming premier arts centre.

Located within an already thriving neighbourhood, close to Northern Ireland's most important road network, a short drive from the city's airport and only a few minutes walk from the City Centre, Saint Anne's Square enjoys a favourable location.

CUSP Chairman Shamus Jennings and Alistair Kennedy, Kennedy Group have said: "Saint Anne's Square will play an integral part in the regeneration of the Cathedral Quarter helping it to fulfil its enormous potential within the city.

"The combination of high quality apartments, cafes, restaurants, hotel, and the MAC, will together offer the ultimate self-contained lifestyle package where people can work, live and relax all in one location."

(PR/JM)