An £18 million (€19.8 million) metropolitan arts centre to be built in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter will create 420 jobs in the city.
Details of the Mac development, which will be built in St Anne's Square - include two theatres, exhibition space and a 1,000 square metre contemporary art gallery.
Work begins on Friday and it will be operated by the Old Museum Arts centre once it is opened in 2012.
MAC chairman Joris Minne said: “The Mac is not only a bold and imaginative response to the growing demand for broader access to participation in the arts by all communities, it is also an incubator of new theatre, visual arts, music and dance and a training ground to help young people gain a foothold on the first rung of the creative industries ladder.
“Most importantly, it is at the heart of the economic regeneration programme for Belfast’s city centre.”
The North's arts minister Nelson McCausland has allocated £10.7 million (€11.77m) towards the total cost.
“The construction will create jobs at a time of recession and once the building is complete the new MAC will further put us on the map as a location rich in cultural heritage and creative spirit.
“The creative industries are a fundamental part of our cultural identity and contribute significantly to our economy and well-being. Northern Ireland is alive with talent and venues like this provide the appropriate stage for displaying this creativity.”
The new centre will contain 470 theatre seats and rehearsal spaces as well as workshops and three art galleries.
The construction work will provide employment for 420 people. The contract was awarded to Bowen Mascott, a joint venture between two building firms from Cork and Newry to deliver the 5,500 square metre structure.
Arts Council of Northern Ireland chief executive Roisin McDonough said: “This project is fantastic news for the arts in Belfast. The Arts Council has set aside £5.25 million (€5.7m)
to support the new MAC and we are delighted that the building of this iconic arts venue will soon be under way.
“The centre will provide an essential ingredient to the regeneration of Belfast and enhance its vibrant and cultural energy.”
Social development minister Margaret Ritchie said it was a welcome boost. “The site provided to the MAC by the former Laganside Corporation is the last remaining piece of the St Anne’s Square development,” she added. “We now have in sight the realisation of the vision of so many in building a hub for arts and culture at the heart of Belfast.”