Northern Ireland

New application for luxury hotel in Newcastle aims to attract visiting golfers

The application proposes knocking down two existing premises on Main Street to make way for a hotel.
The application proposes knocking down two existing premises on Main Street to make way for a hotel. The application proposes knocking down two existing premises on Main Street to make way for a hotel.
By Allan Preston

A new planning application has been made for a “luxurious, high-end design hotel and restaurant development” on Newcastle’s Main Street.

The application from Consarc Architecture, on behalf of Arlington Hotel (NI) Limited, would create 14 hotel apartments with a ground floor restaurant and golf store.

It proposes knocking down the existing Gallagher’s Sports Bar and the adjacent Pure Chic clothing store to make way for a scheme of “architectural quality which will contribute positively to the existing and emerging townscape”.

The location for the proposed new hotel, which is aiming to attract visiting golfers.
The location for the proposed new hotel, which is aiming to attract visiting golfers. The location for the proposed new hotel, which is aiming to attract visiting golfers.

Hoping to attract international tourists “to experience the beauty of Newcastle,” the hotel is being geared towards visiting golfers as a potential alternative to Newcastle’s pricier Slieve Donard resort.

The application pitch adds: “The hotel will be a welcome addition to the area, seamlessly fitting into the surrounding context on Main Street and providing regeneration to the area through job creation and renewed interest in the local area.”

A design concept of how the new hotel would create a more symmetrical rooftop.
A design concept of how the new hotel would create a more symmetrical rooftop. A design concept of how the new hotel would create a more symmetrical rooftop.

Design inspiration is drawn from “the architectural style and uniformity that once existed along Main Street,” with sketches showing an intention to create a more symmetrical rooftop and façade.

Images from the design concept showing the evolution of Newcastle Main Street, from 1870 up to the 1960s.
Images from the design concept showing the evolution of Newcastle Main Street, from 1870 up to the 1960s. Images from the design concept showing the evolution of Newcastle Main Street, from 1870 up to the 1960s.