14/05/2010

Belfast Hotel Plan Dropped: Report

A government-supported plan to build a hotel in central Belfast has been scrapped, the BBC has reported.

Back in 2007, the Department for Social Development appointed Tullymore House Ltd as preferred developer for Armagh House in the city’s Ormeau Avenue, with plans to convert the building into an upmarket hotel.

However, the developers have now pulled out of the project saying it is no longer "economically viable".

Tullymore House Ltd is controlled by the County Antrim-based Hill family. They own the Galgorm Manor Hotel near Ballymena.

A DSD spokesperson said it was disappointing that the development of Armagh House could not go forward as proposed, adding that the department "recognises that this is a difficult time for all developers."

"The contribution of the private sector is vital in our efforts to regenerate areas of deprivation and it is disappointing that this investment proposal has been lost.

"The department will be considering what other options might be possible including a new development brief competition."

Armagh House has been vacant and unused for several years now.

DSD also said it intended to offer a site in Londonderry's Foyle Street on the market again as soon as the economic climate improves.

Last month another developer, Big Picture, pulled out of a DSD-backed scheme to build a hotel and apartments at the site.

(NS/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 February 2024
Economy Minister Holds Meeting With Irish Minister For Enterprise
The Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has held a meeting InterTradeIreland's office in Newry with Ireland's Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD. Highlighting the importance of holding an early meeting with Minister Coveney, Minister Murphy said that the topic of discussion was "how we can prosper from the Windsor Framework".
11 March 2024
Givan Urged To 'Met His Obligations' On Integrated Education
The Alliance Party has called on the Education Minister, Paul Givan, to met his obligations on integrated education following the removal of funding for a number of local schools.
05 February 2024
NIFRS Welcomes Graduation Of Latest 36 Wholetime Firefighters
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has welcomed the graduation of 36 new firefighters, the final graduates to complete their journey at the Boucher Learning & Development Centre (LDC). This graduating class marks the official opening of the final phase of their new cutting edge training facility in Cookstown.
15 March 2024
Latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme Opens
Northern Ireland's aspiring craftspeople have been urged to apply for the latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, which has opened for applications.
07 March 2024
Health Minister Announces 'Public Listening Exercise' On Women's Health
The Department of Health is to undertake a large scale 'public listening exercise' to explore views and opinions on how best to address women's health in Northern Ireland.