Belfast’s reputation as a thriving entertainment & visitor location received a significant boost today with the announcement that the popular Chinawhite night club is locating in the City Centre.

The new venue which is the second phase of a £1m redevelopment will build on the transformation taking place within Belfast’s Linen Quarter with Chinawhite being located in an historic building which dates back to 1902.

Award winning O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates are overseeing the development of the venue situated on Franklin Street which is set to open on 31st October creating an additional 60 new jobs.  The announcement follows the successful launch of Shiro bringing the total employment within the project to 160.

According to Paul Langsford, Director of Chinawhite Belfast, and of some of Belfast's most successful bars including Shiro, the Albany, El Divino and Filthy McNasty's, the new night club will bring a completely new dynamic to night life in the City, he said, “Chinawhite will be a high end, luxurious and comfortable venue, focusing on an excellent standard of table service. Our target customer will be focused on 25 years old and over and will be like no other Belfast night club experience. Long considered a pioneer in its field, Chinawhite combines its formidable heritage with a brand new distinct, progressive and modern approach to entertainment.  We expect it to be extremely popular with people wanting to experience a unique night out locally as well as attracting new visitors to Belfast from throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond.

“This is the second phase of our three part development which will transform entertainment and night life in the Linen Quarter and with events such as the recent Titanic showdown and the Giro D’Italia, it is becoming increasingly important for Belfast to have cutting edge venues to sustain the City’s growth and momentum.  We believe that Chinawhite will make a significant contribution to that dynamic.”

Commenting on their decision to locate in Belfast Chinawhite management said, “Chinawhite is delighted to be opening in Belfast.  We are excited to be branching out and opening in such a vibrant city and we believe now is great time to come to Belfast.  We are also very proud to be teaming up with Shiro and bringing our world renowned brand to this landmark development, in a great location in the heart of the City.”

Outlining the concept behind the new venue O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates added,Located on the 2 floors above the Bar and Restaurant concept Shiro, Chinawhite is a desirable and exclusive cosmopolitan Club that will bring the late night clubbing experience in Northern Ireland to a heightened level.

The impressive double height space over the dance floor is punctuated by an inviting feature stair up to the 2nd floor which will house the clubs exclusive bookable seating areas, designed for optimum customer comfort and a premium table service.

Plans are in place to develop an evocative Asian style rooftop garden on the 5th Floor with commanding views over the city.