THE final phase of a £20 million refurbishment programme at a popular Belfast city centre hotel has been completed.
Ten Square Hotel on Donegall Square South has undergone a multi-million pound transformation since being acquired by Loughview Leisure Group in 2015.
Then then 22-bed boutique hotel is now home to 131 bedrooms after expanding into three neighbouring buildings and features a new reception, a rooftop Loft Bar and a revamped events space for weddings and corporate functions.
The latest phase of works has seen the rejuvenation of the ground floor food and beverage space to make way for the new Josper’s Steakhouse restaurant and the creation of traditional Irish-style pub, The Doffer.
Embracing the property's heritage as a former linen warehouse, The Doffer Bar, which has a standalone entrance on Donegall Square South, takes its name from the 'doffers' who worked in Belfast's old mills.
Chris Kearney, the financial director of Loughview Leisure said the latest phase of expansion pays homage to the city's history
“Given Belfast's rich and colourful linen heritage and the fact the original building was a linen warehouse, owned by twice serving Belfast Lord Mayor, Sir Otto Jaffa, we wanted to retain that character and celebrate the hotel's back story with The Doffer,” Mr Kearney explained.
“We’ve included artwork from local artist Vincent McAllister, which embraces the history and heritage of the building and surrounding areas."
“With Belfast such a popular destination now for tourists and tens of thousands expected to descend upon Northern Ireland this summer for the Irish Open, we are well positioned to offer our guests (and indeed all our local customers) an authentic experience to make them feel welcome in our vibrant city," he added.
Further expansion at the four-star hotel is also set to be given the green light by council planners this evening.
Plans for an extension to the seventh floor to accommodate a hotel gym have been recommended for approval at the March meeting of Belfast City Council's planning committee.
A new spa and gym previously formed part of the expansion plans announced by the hotel last year.
The refurbishment of Ten Square is the result of over £20m investment by owners Loughview Leisure Group supported by Ulster Bank and Tennent’s NI. Loughview also owns the 62-bedroom Chimney Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey and the 68-room Loughshore Hotel in Carrickfergus.
