Business

New £6.6m Portrush hotel granted planning approval

A new £6.6 million Portrush hotel at the site of the former Londonderry Hotel has been granted planning permission
A new £6.6 million Portrush hotel at the site of the former Londonderry Hotel has been granted planning permission A new £6.6 million Portrush hotel at the site of the former Londonderry Hotel has been granted planning permission

A NEW £6.6 million Portrush hotel has been given the green light by council planners.

The 87-bedroom development on the site of the former Londonderry Hotel was granted approval by the Causeway Coast and Glens Planning Committee on Wednesday.

The application was originally recommended for refusal in part due to concerns raised by Historical Environment Division, but councillors instead voted in favour of the development, being brought forward by Andras Hotels.

Planning permission paves the way for work to start this year, with the new hotel scheduled to open its doors in 2021.

A total of 48 jobs are due to be created during the construction phase, with an additional 41 once the new hotel is operational.

It is anticipated that the new development will contribute an estimated £1.4m each year to the local economy and attract an additional 6,600 visitors to the north coast per annum.

Rajesh Rana, director of Andras Hotels said they were "over the moon" to attain planning approval.

“The councillors acknowledged our commitment to retaining the history of the site and important architectural features which will be preserved along with artefacts, pictures and stories – which will be a true celebration of the area for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“The hotel concept will reflect the heritage of this important site and will retain and preserve the historic features. We are absolutely committed to ensuring that the entire development is an asset to this wonderful seaside town.”

Brian Kelly, director of planning consultancy firm, Turley, who acted on behalf of Andras Hotels added:

“We are absolutely delighted that the council took the decision to approve the proposed application which will respect the balance of the heritage of the listed building with a viable hotel for Portrush. We now look forward to the construction phase of the development.”

Andras Hotels was founded in Belfast in 1981 and currently operates five internationally-branded hotels with 1,000 beds in the city.