A NEW £3.2 million boutique hotel in Larne has been granted planning permission.
The development, being brought forward by local consortium MBA Inver Investments, will see the demolition of the former Dan Campbell’s pub and The Thatch Bar to pave the way for luxury accommodation at Bridge Street in the town.
It is expected the development, being designed by Larne-based DA Architects, will create 37 full and part-time jobs and work could begin on the project by the end of the summer.
In addition to guest accommodation the plans, given the green light by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council earlier this month, include a bar, restaurant and function room. The current four-storey Dan Campbell’s building features 14 guest rooms.
Speaking in December, Mervyn McKay of MBA Inver Investments said they are excited to bring the new hotel to Larne.
“As the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland continues to thrive, we feel the time is right to build this new, high quality hotel to contribute to the continual development of Larne's reputation as a great place to visit,” Mr McKay told Boutique Hotel News.
“We're looking forward to attracting more tourists to the town while offering the local community a quality product with excellent customer service standards.”
"Larne, linked to Scotland by the Larne to Cairnryan P&O Ferry route, is a great base to explore the scenic and popular Causeway Coastal Route. The location of the new boutique hotel is close to a number of great local attractions including the Gobbins, Carnfunnock Country Park and many of the vastly popular Game of Thrones filming locations which will help to draw visitors to the town," the former Larne FC chief executive added.
Dan Campbell’s Bar was acquired by MBA Inver Investments in March last year, having been first put on the market with a guide price of £150,000.
It is understood the pub was sold for below the guide price after failing to meet the reserve price at auction.
