Hackett & Hall beat more than 100 applicants to design the new Belfast Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) in the Cathedral Quarter.

When completed in summer 2011, the new facility - which is being built to replace the Old Museum Arts Centre (OMAC) - will include two theatres, visual arts space, dance studios, rehearsal rooms and a café.

"Hackett & Hall embody the OMAC ethos of international excellence combined with the development of local creative talent," said OMAC deputy chairman Joris Minne.

"Their commitment to our project shone through on the day as well as their obvious ability to create wonderful architecture and buildings that work."

OMAC's new location in the Cathedral Quarter will be at St Anne's Square.

Louise Harrison from the Royal Institute of British Architects, which helped organise the competition, said the project had attracted interest from around the world.

"OMAC should be justifiably impressed with the level of enthusiasm for their project and by the international response," she said.

"The project promises to deliver something truly exceptional."

The design will now go to the planning authorities for approval.