On Donegall Quay where the Lagan meets the city, the Obel Building lifts a glassy curve into Belfast’s skyline. Completed in 2010–2011, it stands about 85 m tall with 28 storeys, making it the tallest building in Belfast (and on the island of Ireland). The scheme was designed by Broadway Malyan, with residential apartments stacked above ground-floor retail and a separate office element.
The project launched in the mid-2000s boom, hit the brakes in the financial crisis, then crossed the finish line around 2011. Soon after opening, Allen & Overy took the available office space; the residential tower later went through administration in 2012 before being acquired in 2014 and refurbished in 2016. Today it anchors the revitalised waterfront, a modern counterpoint to the Lagan Weir and the bridges beside it.
Quick facts:
- Height / floors: ~85 m, 28 storeys.
- Where: 62 Donegall Quay, right on the River Lagan.
- Use: Mostly residential, with offices and ground-floor units.
- Architect: Broadway Malyan.
- Claim to fame: Tallest building in Belfast and Northern Ireland (and widely cited as tallest in Ireland).
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