A final decision is likely to be made by Arnotts before the summer of 2007. Apart from bringing the ambitious retail, residential and leisure project to fruition, the successful developer will also have to take a 20 per cent stake in the Northern Quarter.

Richard Nesbitt, Arnotts' chairman, said: "We are looking for a partner with extensive experience in urban redevelopment and not just someone who has been building shopping centres."

The plan for the Northern Quarter, which will focus on the area between Henry Street and Middle Abbey Street, includes 47 retail buildings, 17 cafés, restaurants and bars, 189 luxury apartments and a 152-bedroom four-star hotel. The highlight will be an ambitious central plaza.

However, whoever wins the contract is unlikely to be able to start construction work until later in 2008, with completion unlikely before 2010 or 2011.

l Joe O'Reilly and Irish Life have unveiled plans for a 26,000-sq m extension to the nearby ILAC Centre in a new planning application to Dublin City Council. The plans involve the demolition of part of the Moore Mall and its replacement with three floors of retail beneath five floors of apartments. The proposal would mean a net gain of 4,000 sq m of retail space, and completion is expected in 2009.

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