One of the most prominent commercial properties in Belfast city centre, which has been home to Boots for 55 years, has been bought by a local investor for an undisclosed sum.
Holywood-based Wirefox has taken the keys to the retail and office development known as 35DP, which encompases 80,000 square feet and fronts both Donegall Place and Fountain Street. It consists of three retail units on the ground floor, including Boots which has just signed a new 10 year lease, and four floors of grade A office space which has been recently refurbished and is being marketed for lease.
Wirefox Investment Director Kathryn Robinson, said the move is part of the firm’s aim to buys key commercial property assets in prime locations.
“Our purchase of 35DP represents a significant vote of confidence in Belfast’s growing office market and in the demand for high quality professional office space,” she said. “It also aligns with our mission to acquire prime commercial property assets in a strategic location which have an enduring appeal and demonstrate strong growth potential.”
The purchase comes just ahead of the opening of Wirefox’s other major development The Paper Exchange on Chichester Street. Work started on the landmark 11-story 200,000 sq. ft building, which has been designed by Wirefox and TODD Architects, in February 2020 and is due to be completed early in the New Year.
Around three quarters of that development’s 200,000 square feet are again grade A office space while the remainder is retail.
Gareth Howell, Property Director at Wirefox, said the two buildings give the firm a broad offering for potential tenants.
“The introduction of 35DP and The Paper Exchange for 2023 into Wirefox’s office portfolio provides us with a unique representation in all office grades and size offerings within the local marketplace, with The Paper Exchange in particular providing larger format accommodation of approximately 17,000 sq. ft right in the heart of the city centre,” he said. “These outstanding spaces offer potential occupiers a truly interesting blank canvas on which to come and express their brand and culture as they position themselves within the most central addresses available in Belfast.”
