Investor plans 40-bedroom Downpatrick boutique hotel

Investor plans 40-bedroom Downpatrick boutique hotel

13 July 2016

DOWNPATRICK could be in line for a new 40-bedroom boutique hotel.

Plans have been unveiled to construct the new development— which will provide the area with a significant jobs boost –  on land at the rear of a filling station in Church Street, with a dedicated access created on to the Belfast Road.

A meeting with planners to discuss the proposed development is expected to take place in the near future and the local businessman behind the ambitious proposal says if all the necessary approvals are secured, construction work could start immediately.

The businessman behind the new hotel is keen to progress the proposal and while the initial plan is for a 40-bedroom facility including a restaurant, the building will have the capacity to increase in size to meet future demand.

Details of the development were outlined during a meeting in Downpatrick last week attended by the head of Tourism NI, John McGrillen, Newry, Mourne and Down Council chief executive Liam Hannaway and councillors Billy Walker and Dermot Curran.

A full planning application is expected to be tabled once the proposal has been discussed informally with local planners within the next few weeks.

Councillor Walker, who arranged last week’s meeting in Downpatrick, confirmed the developer informed him that if the scheme gets the green light, he could be on site immediately.

“This is a very positive development for Downpatrick, with Tourism NI and Newry, Mourne and Down Council both keen to see this new hotel provided,” he said. “It ticks a lot of boxes for the area and I hope the new hotel will have the potential to provide conference facilities as well. The developer behind the project is ready to go and hopes planning permission can be secured for a hotel which will provide this area with a major boost.”

Councillor Walker said the master plan developed for Downpatrick highlights the need for a new hotel, while Newry, Mourne and Down Council is actively looking for sites for new hotels across the district, with the primary focus on Downpatrick and Newcastle.

“The provision of new hotels in the district is one of the local authority’s main priorities as it recognises tourism is a growth area. Tourism has been put at the top of its agenda, alongside maximising the area’s many assets. It is important there is adequate hotel accommodation,” he continued.

Councillor Walker added: “Here we have an investor committed to building a new hotel in Downpatrick which is tremendous news for the economy and people’s job prospects. I hope planners will be supportive of this development to allow it proceed to the next stage.”

Councillor Curran said a town the size of Downpatrick “needs a vibrant hotel” and is keen to see the proposal outlined at last week’s meeting firmed up as soon as possible. He has no doubt the proposed development would be a major success and provide a timely boost for the town’s economic regeneration.

“A new hotel will create new jobs and provide the town and the surrounding area with a significant boost,” he continued. “In addition to meeting the needs of local people, the new hotel will also carve out a niche for itself in meeting the needs of the vibrant business sector in the area.” 

Councillor Curran said a new hotel will complement existing provision and help create jobs in the construction industry, hoping planners will view the proposal favourably. 

He added: “I am excited at the potential of this particular proposal. It will provide Downpatrick and the surrounding area with a significant and timely boost.”