The property group, Dunloe Ewart, is planning to build a £100 million sterling shopping centre in the centre of Belfast at some stage in the next few years writes Emmet Oliver.

The company already owns a significant amount of property at a site fronting on to Royal Avenue and expects the centre to cover 400,000 sq ft.

However, it is still assembling the site and will have to purchase a significant amount of extra property before it owns 400,000 sq ft.

The plan for the centre was disclosed by the company during a visit to the US by leading management.

Managing director Mr Philip Byrne said last night that the plans for the centre "are still some years away from fruition".