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An entry level to Ulster's high life

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By Helen Carson
Tuesday Dec 4 2007

Studio apartments at Belfast's proposed Obel building could give first-time buyers a leg-up onto the property ladder.

The £75m development at Obel, which will feature the city's tallest building the Obel Tower, has a mix of apartments, including the studios.

Priced from £160,000, studio apartments at the Donegall Quay scheme have a compact open-plan design which was modelled on London flats where space is at a premium.

The modern homes offer up to 330sq ft in the main living area which has a foldaway bed as well as a linen cupboard-cum-utility room which incorporates a washer/dryer, ironing board and even a washing line.

The contemporary kitchen, meanwhile, has a range of integrated appliances, including cooker, hob, extractor hood, dishwasher and fridge/freezer, while the bathroom comes equipped with a quadrant shower with power fitting which can be upgraded to a shower bath.

Gayle Boyce, director of Karl Properties Ltd, said: "This design is popular in London and the architects from Broadway Malyan wanted to incorporate this in the scheme."

And she is confident the new way of living will appeal to first-buyers here: "The studios are the same size as many other apartments. I think once people see how functional the space is, they will think they're fantastic. There is no fuss and it's all about keeping clutter out of sight."

Ms Boyce also pointed out the studio apartments are located on the side of Obel which is clad in glass, giving a really stylish finish.

The developers also believe the innovative flats could offer a week-night Belfast bolthole to those working in the city, but living out of town.

Sixty-four apartments were released earlier this month as part of phase two of Obel development, which is due for completion in 2010. The scheme features a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, studios, duplexes and penthouses.

Construction of the 28-storey Obel Tower is underway and will take shape on the city's skyline over the next 24-months.

Obel, located near the Cathedral Quarter, will also feature landscaped areas, secure underground car parking, an interior designed entrance foyer, two lifts, acoustic double-glazed windows, satellite television wiring and the facility for buyers to wire sound system.

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