THE CENTRAL BANK of Ireland has confirmed its purchase of the former Anglo Irish Bank building site on North Wall Quay in the Dublin 1 area, a move that has been welcomed by the National Asset Management Agency.

A statement was issued this afternoon to acknowledge that the bank had signed contracts with the statutory receiver of North Quay Investments Limited, which is in receivership.

The Central Bank had already announced that it intended to complete the construction of the existing building on the site – with some modifications – and relocate its headquarters there.

The agreed purchase price of €7 million was also previously publicised in May 2012.

A spokesperson for NAMA said the purchase and planned development is “an important signal of improving sentiment and activity in the office market”.

“The development of the North Wall Quay site is also important for the future development of adjoining lands within this key strategic location.”

The bank currently employs around 1,400 staff, many of whom are based in the bank’s Dame Street offices. The remaining staff are spread across six other premises used by the bank.

Before its collapse, Anglo Irish Bank had plans to move its HQ to the space.

Central Bank agrees deal to buy unfinished Anglo HQ