Belfast Telegraph building sold to McAleer and Rushe property firm

The Belfast Telegraph has occupied its four-storey building on Royal Avenue for about 130 years

The Belfast Telegraph building has been sold to County Tyrone-based property firm McAleer and Rushe.

The newspaper is leaving the historic building in Belfast city centre as it is moving its printing operation to Newry in County Down.

Stephen Surphlis, McAleer and Rushe's property director, said it was "a very exciting acquisition for the company".

He said the firm will begin working up proposals "which will enhance our city".

When the building was advertised for sale, two potential development options were laid out, both featuring a hotel in the listed part of the complex.

Active

One of the development options also included a 414-bed student housing scheme, while the other had 222,000 sq ft of offices.

The development options are not binding but give an idea of how the site could be used.

McAleer and Rushe is currently the most active major developer in Belfast.

The company is building a new headquarters for Belfast City Council and is demolishing the former Belfast Metropolitan College building on Blackstaff Square ahead of a hotel scheme.

It also has a number of other active planning applications.