Work has just started excavating the basement for the £60m hotel project, which will be built at Terrace Mount.
THAT Group plans to build two Hilton Hotels and 59 flats on the site – an iconic five-star hotel topped with a sky bar and a three-star hotel.
Ray Kelvin, founder of the Ted Baker clothing company,is a major backer of the scheme.
Property director Peter Tisdale confirmed the appointment of McAleer and Rushe, which was in a bid race with Galliford Try, John Sisk and Kier.
He said: “After many months of preparation, we have been able to make our long-awaited start.”
The scheme is expected to take around two years to complete.
Silcock Dawson & Partners are mechanical and electrical consultants on the project.