Other News In Brief

City Hall To Light Up To Mark World Down Syndrome Day

Belfast City Hall will light up to mark World Down Syndrome Day in March.

Alliance East Belfast Councillor Sian O'Neill, who made the proposal, said she was "delighted" with the decision.

She said: "I can't wait to see Belfast City Hall lit up green on March 21. My nephew Ross has Down's Syndrome so any opportunity to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated to the condition is gratefully received.

"If anyone wants to learn more about Down's Syndrome, I can signpost them to the local groups and organisations who provide amazing support to individuals and families."

Belfast Construction Firm Completes Two Projects In London

Belfast based construction firm Gilbert-Ash has completed two major projects in London worth a combined total of more than £44 million.

The Fetal Medicine Research Institute is a 5,255m² centre of excellence occupied by the Fetal Medicine Foundation of Harley Street and King’s College Hospital.

The new building rehouses the world leading Harris Birthright Centre, caring for more than 10,000 patients each year, in a high quality hospital and research environment.

The project, valued at £22m, involved the partial demolition and refurbishment of existing terrace houses on the site, while retaining the front façade. Behind the houses the new three storey medical centre with two storey basement was constructed and connected to the refurbished and structurally altered houses.

On Savoy Place, Gilbert-Ash has also completed the headquarters of the Institution of Engineering &Technology (IET), a professional society for 150,000 members in 127 countries, in a project worth £22m.

The project included an extensive refurbishment to preserve Savoy Place’s important heritage and saw a number of improvements being made to provide a modern home for the IET. With its opulent interiors and commanding views, the refurbishment created over 90,000ft² of event space, making it one of London’s most technologically advanced conferencing facilities.

Plans For New DARD Headquarters Approved

Plans for a new three -storey headquarters in Ballykelly for the Department of Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) have been given the green light.

Planning permission for the 8.7 acre site was approved by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Planning Committee.

Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "We will now appoint a building contractor and hope to see construction work begin at the site in the summer with the three-storey building ready for new staff at the end of 2017.

"I hope the building will become part of village life so have ensured it is designed with facilities that can be opened up and used by the local community. It will complement the established and distinctive surroundings while providing a modern working environment for staff. The open plan offices will also offer them stunning views of Binevenagh and the Sperrins, and across Lough Foyle to Inishowen."

(CD)