MSM Contracts are pleased to announce that construction works commenced during early March 2017 to redevelop Armagh House, a former Belfast city-centre linen warehouse, into a modern commercial building for leading property development company, KARL Group.

The landmark red-brick Armagh House was originally constructed in 1907 for Greeves, Ridgeway & Co. Linen and Damask Manufacturers, although the property has remained vacant since the early 2000s following occupation by government departments. (credit: www.futurebelfast.com)

Located on Ormeau Avenue between Alfred Street and Joy Street, the building will be known as ‘The Weaving Works’ with completion programmed during late 2017. The ground floor will provide an entrance lobby/reception and both a restaurant and coffee shop/café with separate accesses off Ormeau Avenue. The existing three upper floors in addition to a rooftop extension constructed in glulam structural timber and fully glazed with aluminium curtain walling will provide over 2,200m2 Grade A office space over four floors. Fit-out works will be carried out to the landlord areas and a Cat A fit-out will be completed to the lettable office areas.

Construction work carried out to date has involved major internal demolitions and structural alterations to reconfigure the internal floor layout in advance of commencing the refurbishment and interior fit-out phases.

Works in progress to the building envelope includes forming new and building up existing openings; extending the brickwork façade to suit the fifth floor vertical extension; brickwork repairs including repointing the existing brick façade and installation of replacement aluminium windows and doors.

The design team are:

Project Manager / QS / Principal Designer: Bruce Shaw

Architect: RMI Architects

Structural Engineer: Taylor & Boyd

Services Consultant: Dynamic Design Consultants

All mechanical & electrical installations are being carried out by Blackbourne Integrated M&E.