THE Everglades Hotel in Derry is on track to complete its £1.5 million refurbishment in April, Hastings Hotel group chairman Sir William Hastings has confirmed.
A team of 25 builders have been working on the redevelopment of the grand ballroom at the four-star venue which, on completion, will seat 650 people in a theatre-style setting and over 400 for round table events.
It will be the largest facility of its kind in the north west, with its owners aiming to attract large conferences and business events.
On inspection of the site recently, Sir William said: "We have a team of 25 builders working hard to get the project completed and I am pleased to report that we are on schedule for the new event space to open in April.
"Upon completion, it will be the largest facility of its kind in the area and I am confident that it will enable the city to attract events that it was unable to accommodate previously, including larger conferences and business events as well as prestigious music acts."
The ballroom, which previously held up to 450 people, has been at capacity levels on many occasions, according to Everglades general manager Neil Devlin.
"We want as many people as possible to experience conference and events at the hotel and we don't want to have to turn people away, so this brand new space will be well utilised," he said.
Hastings Hotels announced the expansion in November, with the development designed by Robinsons & Sons and the building work carried out by JS Dunlop.
