Belfast city centre: Almost 700 apartments get go ahead

A new development of almost 700 apartments across four schemes has been approved by Belfast City Council.

The plans include a 23-storey tower with 256 rental apartments at Belfast Harbour's City Quays development.

The harbour will also develop 69 apartments and townhouses - including affordable housing - at Pilot Street in the docks area.

The other two schemes are at 298 apartments at Tomb Street and 77 at May Street.

The Tomb Street project will involve demolishing a multi-storey car park on a site opposite the Royal Mail building.

It is being brought forward by McAleer and Rushe, one of the most active developers in Belfast.

The May Street scheme will involve demolishing various low rise buildings on a site at the junction with Victoria Street.

It is being developed by Banbridge-based Vinder Capital in partnership with Endeavour Investments.