Belfast's landmark Victoria Square has been dubbed Ireland's best designed retail building.

The £400m scheme was awarded the accolade by the Irish Architecture Awards, in a public vote.

According to judges, the centre responded "to the existing urban grain, establishing new relationships between previously disjointed areas of the public realm".

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However, the BDP designed scheme has suffered from a fall in tenants of late.

Earlier this week restaurant Ba Mizu, located on the roof top of House of Frazer, said it would be closing, with the loss of 32 jobs.

Four restaurants closed in the centre last week, with the closure of Ba Mizu being described as temporary.

Several other retailers have shut their doors in recent months.

Despite this, the centre management has remained optimistic, and is preparing to welcome four new outlets over the summer.

(PR/JM)