Bob Neill MP, Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, presented the prestigious award to BDP, Victoria Square’s master-planners, at the RTPI 2009 Planning Awards at the London Hilton, Park Lane.

The 850,000-sq ft scheme is anchored by House of Fraser and has attarcted a host of brands to the Northern Irish market for the first time. With a strong leisure and catering offer it is credited with extending trading hours for the whole city centre.

Kay Powell, chair of the judging panel, said: “The Victoria Square Regeneration Project is a stunning achievement which has real potential to unite communities in Belfast. Clever planning has ensured that Victoria Square is far from being a straightforward retail-led development; it has become part of the city rather than just a mall, with every facet of the footprint of the development connecting directly onto the surrounding city streets, bringing life and vitality well into the evening and beyond.

“It has created a new landmark in Belfast city centre that is totally inclusive and accessible to all members of the public. This fantastic regeneration scheme has contributed enormously to the environment of the city centre by attracting tourists and bringing people back into the city centre to live as well as for entertainment. Victoria Square is a visionary undertaking that is a catalyst for other improvements and future developments in the surrounding area which is why we have awarded it the 2009 Jubilee Cup.”

Also shortlisted were Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners for phase I of the redevelopment and extension of Eldon Square in Newcastle and Land Securities for Cabot Circus in Bristol.

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