University awards contract for student homes in Belfast

Developer McAleer & Rushe plans to build two student accommodation blocks in a deal worth €90 million.

The Co Tyrone- and London-based builder said yesterday that it has won a contract from Queen’s University Belfast to build more than 1,200 student bedrooms at two city centre sites.

It will build a 476-bed complex on McClintock Street and 680 bedrooms and 95 studios on College Street. The contract is worth £70 million (€90 million).

Belfast City Council planning service is considering applications for the two schemes. The developer said it hopes for a quick decision.

McAleer & Rushe property director Stephen Surphlis, estimated that the two projects would create 500 building jobs and, once complete, employ 75 people full time.

Queen’s vice-chancellor Prof Patrick Johnston said it demonstrated the university’s commitment to Belfast.

“The continued growth of the university and Belfast is critical to the success of the knowledge economy,” he said.