There is an air of buoyancy and confidence about Belfast at the moment which bodes well for the property scene - and sales this weekend of homes in the Bass Buildings, a five-storey complex of 114 apartments should reflect the new-found confidence
Location will definitely be one of the main selling points of the Bass Buildings - the latest development in the hive of building activity in the city. Situated in the heart of Belfast in its historic linen conservation area, apartments will be accessed by both lift and stairs with the primary entrance via a glazed atrium on Alfred Street.
Prices start at £74,950 sterling for one-bedroom apartments, according to the selling agent, Hooke & MacDonald. These units have between 450 sq. ft and 500 sq. ft and comprise a double bedroom, living room, storage area, a fitted kitchen and bathroom. Two-bedroom apartments with between 650 and 750 sq. ft are priced from £97,950 to £107,950. Along with two double bedrooms, most have en suite bathrooms.
The three-bedroom apartments have between 750 and 1,000 sq. ft and are priced from £127,950. Some have panoramic views of the city through French windows with decorative balustrading and all apartments have security intercoms. A car-parking space costs £7,000 extra.
Alfred Street is beside Belfast's social hub, The Golden Mile, and is only 10 minutes from Queen's University. It is also within walking distance of The City Hall, Royal Avenue, the cultural Cathedral quarter, and a plethora of restaurants and shops. Homes in the Bass Buildings are due for completion between August and Christmas, 2000.
Laganside Development Corporation is developing the area as a cultural quarter embracing the best of heritage, design, fashion and the arts. The buildings are close to the bus terminal at Oxford Street and Central Railway Station.
The area includes both the old and the distinctly modern with the launch of the Odyssey project, which will have an IMAX theatre and multiplex cinema, theme bars, 10,000-seat indoor arena and science centre just a mile away.
Thomas Doherty of the selling agents Hooke & MacDonald says it is difficult to predict what kind of buyer Bass Buildings will attract. In previous developments, such as Citygate, buyers ranged from young professionals, parents with children attending university and business people from both sides of the Border.
Hooke MacDonald are accepting bookings this week in both its Belfast and Dublin offices for the first phase of 35 apartments. There is a special turn-key package for investors in the development which includes finance, letting, legals and fit out if required.
