NEW luxury guest accommodation has opened in Carrickfergus following an almost £400,000 investment.
Walter's Place, located on the seafront, officially opened its doors to guests in June following a £390,000 investment in the purchase of the property, its design and contemporary fit-out.
Owned by local entrepreneur Jack Creighton, Walter’s Place boasts seven double en-suite rooms with panoramic views of Belfast Lough.
A planning application has also been submitted for an extension by developing another property on the same road, creating four extra rooms.
Mr Creighton, who owns the neighbouring Ownies bar, purchased the property in 2013 in order to extend the bar's kitchen.
With no further use for the remainder of the site, he decided to convert it into accommodation, identifying a gap
in the local market.
“It became clear very early on that there was a real need for additional luxury accommodation in the Carrick area,” Mr Creighton said.
“After we extended the kitchen of Ownies bar into the site we were left with a large piece of undeveloped real estate, so we were keen to identify a practical and profitable use for it.
“We’ve been providing a comfortable space to dine and drink at Ownies bar for the past 17 years, so the development of guest accommodation to extend our reach was a natural progression.”
The accommodation was designed by Newry-based interior design consultants Adrian Interior Furnishings and has already proved popular, boasting occupancy rates of between 70 and 80 per cent during the summer months.
“The reception to the opening in June was overwhelmingly positive and we’re still recording occupancy rates similar to those over the busy summer period,” Mr Creighton added.
The major investment has been supported by Ulster Bank. Senior relationship manager for commercial banking, Gemma Jordan said they were thrilled to offer a helping hand to the local entrepreneur.
"It has raised the bar for luxury accommodation in the Carrick area and is on a par with what a guest would expect to see from five-star accommodation in any major city," Ms Jordan said.
"Its location on one of the main arterial routes in and out of Belfast city is a positive selling point and since opening has proved an instant hit with tourists looking for a memorable and luxury stay, but most importantly one that is also affordable."
