Business

Plans unveiled for multi-million pound Belfast aparthotel

The north's first aparthotel could be open on Queen Street in Belfast by 2020
The north's first aparthotel could be open on Queen Street in Belfast by 2020 The north's first aparthotel could be open on Queen Street in Belfast by 2020

PLANS have been unveiled for the north's first aparthotel in the heart of Belfast city centre.

Oakland Holdings is behind proposals for the site at Lyndon Court on Queen Street, which if approved would see the creation of a multi-million pound development within two years.

The company held a pre-application public event in the city yesterday, showcasing the plans, which include the demolition of the existing three-storey building and erection of a new 14-storey aparthotel, featuring 189 apartments, a bar and restaurant, gymnasium, meetings rooms and event space.

An aparthotel is a serviced apartment complex that uses a hotel-style booking system. The concept is popular in major cities across the world.

Oakland Holdings director, Gareth Graham believes the project will "complement and enhance" the locality and could be open for business by 2020.

“An aparthotel provides a combination of the best parts of a hotel with the advantages of a luxury apartment. We have researched the aparthotel concept and provision in other major cities and believe the business community in particular will respond to this offer very positively," Mr Graham said.

"This offering allows the business traveller to cater for themselves while surrounded by the comforts and facilities of a modern hotel including dedicated working and conference space. At the same time the shared communal space including a restaurant will cater for families as well.

“This is a suitable project for this site which will complement and enhance the Queen Street area and provide appropriate leisure space, business space and bed space for the growing business and tourist sectors. Businesses are choosing to locate in Belfast city centre and we are facilitating that increased investment. The open consultation process allows us to display our plans and to hear the views of adjacent business owners.”

Last month Gareth Graham, a leading figure from the bookmaking industry in Northern Ireland, was unveiled as one of the new directors at Down Royal Racecourse.

Emma Meehan will take up the role of chief executive in January under the management of Merrion Property Group, who take over the day-to-day operation of the venue next month.