Queen's University Belfast has announced that contractor GRAHAM will begin to build accommodation on the university's new Dublin Road site.
The Dublin Road site is one of three new sites across Belfast that have been acquired by Queen's. The other two sites are located at Laganbank and Brunswick street.
The new accommodation, which is part of the university's accommodation growth plan, will provide places for Queen's students, staff, and their families.
Belfast is already home to 45,000 full-time students, but Queen's has said 3,000 more rooms will be needed in the next five years for its attendees alone.
The £100 million, four-year investment is set to create more than 220 jobs within the city centre whilst work is ongoing.
Queen's University also claimed there was increased demand from students for high-quality accommodation, with a five per cent increase in applications this year.
Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director Building North at GRAHAM, said: "We are excited to be leading on the construction of this new development, which will help to transform the area while boosting the economy. As part of our commitment to social impact, we are implementing an Employment and Skills programme to support local unemployed residents into the industry. We will also be working closely with community organisations to provide volunteering opportunities for our staff as well as working with local schools to offer site visits and curriculum support."
Caroline Young, Vice President of Students and Corporate Services at Queen's, said: "We have been aware of and planning for a major increase in demand for student accommodation in recent years and through this significant investment, we are ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively. There is a specific focus on the need for high quality, affordable and safe housing options, in close proximity to Queen's.
"Belfast is already one of the top university cities across the UK and Ireland in terms of providing the best value for money for student accommodation, with rental prices for our offering including all bills, 24-hour security, gym membership and more.
"Securing these three sites close to Queen’s and the city centre, is not only putting us on the front foot in terms of keeping our best students at home and attracting others from elsewhere, but it will also have a hugely positive effect on the city as a whole in terms of attracting developers, businesses and better services and crucially will help deliver Belfast City Council Agenda for 66,000 more residents living in our city centre by 2030."
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
15/11/2024
An emergency road closure has been announced following serious structural integrity concerns of the former Antrim Arms Hotel building on Castle Street in Ballycastle. Following genuine fears surrounding the safety of the building's structure, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have ...
15/11/2024
A pre-design public consultation for the Dublin-based College Green - Dame Street Public Realm Project has been launched. The proposal to remodel College Green and Dame Street is a joint initiative by Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority. The project aims to transform Dublin's ...
15/11/2024
A new plan which aims to fill vacant homes and revitalise derelict buildings has been proposed by Ireland's Green Party. The Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill put forward by the party aims to establish a single permitting system for fire, accessibility and planning in a one-stop-shop for ...
15/11/2024
Works will begin next week to provide a more reliable water supply in County Kildare, Uisce Éireann has announced. The improvements, which will take place in Allenwood, will also target the reduction of high levels of leakage. GMC Utilities Group are carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce ...
15/11/2024
Essential wastewater improvements being made to the North Street area in Carrickfergus are set to be completed on Friday, November 22, NI Water has announced. Further works will recommence to the area on January 6, after the busy Christmas period. The work is part of a major investment to improve ...
15/11/2024
A forthcoming road closure in Wicklow has been announced by the County Council ahead of essential roadworks which are suspected to last a week. The closure will impact the L-69052 road in Arklow and will take place on the junction of the L2901, Laffin's Lane and The Brook, from Monday, November ...
14/11/2024
A L'Derry park was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs yesterday following the completion of extensive works. Manor Park in Moneymore welcomed Minister Andrew Muir MLA, who made the trip to see the result of extensive works which totalled £260,000. The ...
14/11/2024
A Railway Order planning application will be made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) regarding the major Luas Finglas project. The application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála on Monday, November 18, while the public can make submissions about the proposed light rail line from November ...
14/11/2024
A new €8.8 million social housing scheme officially launched in County Louth recently. The Ferrard Park development in Drogheda contains 28 new houses which were acquired by Louth County Council from CFS Homes for tenants from the council's social housing waiting list. The houses, which include a ...
14/11/2024
A number of projects across Wicklow aimed at addressing the negative impacts of climate change have received a significant cash boost. Wicklow County Council and The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced an allocation of €675,574.33 to 20 community groups across the ...