Meeting planned to discuss proposals for hotel in Downpatrick

Meeting planned to discuss proposals for hotel in Downpatrick

7 June 2017

PLANS for a major new hotel in Downpatrick will be outlined at a public meeting in the town next Monday night.

Down Arts Centre will be the venue for the event which developers must organise to spell out the detail of their proposal before a formal planning application is submitted. Three hours have been set aside for meeting which will be held in the Studio Bar, starting at 6pm.

Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposed 51-bedroom hotel is invited to do so during the event or contact Mullarkey Pedersen Architects in Derry.

Last month, the Recorder exclusively revealed plans by Inch Abbey Holdings Limited for the new hotel at the Belfast Road that will feature a range of leisure facilities including a swimming pool and health spa.

Developers are planning to redevelop the former Abbey Lodge Hotel site and the proposed investment is already generating significant interest in an area where Newry, Mourne and Down Council is working to help secure additional overnight accommodation to help boost visitor numbers and new leisure facilities.

Eight years ago, a property developer came close to investing in a new 80-bedroom hotel at the Belfast Road site but the proposal fell through due to the adverse economic circumstances at the town. 

The site was sold several years ago to a local businessman, and it emerged last month that “advanced plans” are in place for the new 51-bedroom hotel at this location.

The new 6,400 square metre development will comprise function rooms and a health spa that will include a 15 metre by seven metre swimming pool, alongside a jacuzzi and sauna. There will also be changing facilities, a gym and fitness rooms.

The new hotel will include a bar, restaurant, reception area and two conference rooms, with the accommodation centred around a landscaped courtyard. The building will be finished in stone and slate, with parking for 182 vehicles, alongside a dedicated parking area for coaches.

Downpatrick councillor, Dermot Curran, is encouraging people to make the most of the opportunity next week’s meeting. He has described the provision of new hotels as a “must” given the drive to increase the number of visitors to the area to boost the local economy.

Councillor Curran said major investment in new hotels creates jobs in the construction industry, provides a boost for local builders’ suppliers and paves the way for a range of new jobs within the hotel itself. 

“New hotels can also act as a catalyst for additional private sector investment and the redevelopment of the former Abbey Lodge site would complement existing hotel provision in the area and provide Downpatrick with a significant economic boost,” he said.

Councillor Curran said with much emphasis on increasing the number of visitors to the area, there will be a need for increased overnight accommodation.

He added: “It was confirmed recently that in addition to plans for major hotel investment at the Belfast Road, the respective owners of Ballydugan Mill and Denvir’s Coaching Inn in Downpatrick are keen to increase the number of bedrooms they currently provide. 

“This is more good news for the town and its economy and will no doubt encourage more visitors to stay in the area.”