TODD Architects is pleased to report that construction work is about to commence on The Mercantile office development in Belfast following approval by Belfast City Council. This landmark office building is located on a prime commercial site within the main public square and civic space in Belfast City Centre directly to the rear of City Hall.
TODD Architects were delighted to be appointed by Killultagh Estates when this property initially came to the market and was ultimately secured through development feasibility and financial offer. The design development was not without its challenges along the way but has resulted in a planning approval for 95,000sq ft of development over nine floors together with a basement.
Laura McCarthy, Senior Asset Manager; Killultagh Estates said,
“We are delighted to have appointed TODD Architects to have the pivotal role within our creative team behind The Mercantile. This is a key development for us and demonstrates our commitment to the City where we see this development as a rebirth of one of Belfast’s foremost business locations overlooking the magnificent City Hall.”
The architectural approach is contemporary but respectful of context, utilising cut stonework and ‘bronze anodised aluminium to articulate the verticality.
It is anticipated that the Ground Floor and Basement will be occupied by restaurant or leisure uses to provide ‘activity’ at street level, with the upper levels providing high-quality and flexible office space capable of a variety of fit-out and workplace permutations and bespoke solutions accessed via a double-height corporate foyer.
The Donegall Square South façade is primarily glazed with three projecting bays providing good daylight quality and outlook.
The floorplates start to set back to reflect the notional ‘shoulder’ height adopted around the Donegall Square area providing accessible roof terraces looking across the wider city centre area.
The demolition of the existing building is underway with construction of the new building due to complete in Quarter 3 of 2020.