New QUB city centre halls are given go ahead by the Council

Remind us why we pay to live in Oak?


Queen’s has plans to build two new city centre halls by 2018.

The building plans which are part of a £70m deal with McAleer & Rushe have been approved by the Belfast City Council. The Tyrone and London based company will develop 476 student bedrooms in Belfast city centre by the summer of 2018.

The projects were approved this week by the Belfast City Council Planning Service and will bring hundreds of jobs to the city. The 476 bed scheme on McClintock Street will form part of a mixed-use student and hotel scheme and will be a city centre addition to the Elms Village halls in South Belfast.

Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston said: “As an anchor institution in the city, this substantial investment again demonstrates the commitment of Queen’s to the development of Belfast as a learning city.  The continued growth of the University, and Belfast, is critical to the success of the knowledge economy.

“As part of our ambitious plans for growth, this much needed student accommodation, within walking distance of Queen’s, city centre amenities and transport links, will ensure that the University continues to attract the brightest local, national and international students to study in Belfast.”