11/02/2026
Historic Scottish Mutual Building Set To Reopen As The Bedford Hotel
One of Belfast's most recognisable vacant buildings is being brought back into use as The Bedford Hotel, with bookings now being accepted for stays starting in May 2026.
The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
The transformation into an 82-bedroom hotel represents a significant private investment in the city's hospitality sector. The opening is expected to create over 100 jobs, ranging from management and operational roles to front-of-house and culinary positions.
Ciaran O'Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, described the project as a vote of confidence in the local economy: "Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.
"This is not simply about launching a hotel – it is about creating sustainable employment, supporting local supply chains and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city centre."
The hotel's culinary direction will be led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, formerly of Lough Erne Resort. The hotel will house a destination restaurant and café bar focused on local produce. General Manager Mike Gatt noted that the long-term vision for the site is to support wider economic growth through a strong local supply network and premium service standards.
The investment has been welcomed by Belfast One BID CEO, Martina Connolly, who highlighted that Belfast has been recognised as a trending city for 2026 by TripAdvisor.
She stated: "This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre's tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast's most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life."
The Bedford Hotel is now taking reservations for its opening in May.
The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
The transformation into an 82-bedroom hotel represents a significant private investment in the city's hospitality sector. The opening is expected to create over 100 jobs, ranging from management and operational roles to front-of-house and culinary positions.
Ciaran O'Neill, Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel, described the project as a vote of confidence in the local economy: "Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.
The hotel's culinary direction will be led by Executive Head Chef Noel McMeel, formerly of Lough Erne Resort. The hotel will house a destination restaurant and café bar focused on local produce. General Manager Mike Gatt noted that the long-term vision for the site is to support wider economic growth through a strong local supply network and premium service standards.
The investment has been welcomed by Belfast One BID CEO, Martina Connolly, who highlighted that Belfast has been recognised as a trending city for 2026 by TripAdvisor.
She stated: "This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre's tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast's most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life."
The Bedford Hotel is now taking reservations for its opening in May.
Latest Northern Ireland News
11 February 2026
Historic Scottish Mutual Building Set To Reopen As The Bedford Hotel
One of Belfast's most recognisable vacant buildings is being brought back into use as The Bedford Hotel, with bookings now being accepted for stays starting in May 2026. The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
Historic Scottish Mutual Building Set To Reopen As The Bedford Hotel
One of Belfast's most recognisable vacant buildings is being brought back into use as The Bedford Hotel, with bookings now being accepted for stays starting in May 2026. The project follows an 18-month redevelopment of the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building, a Scottish Baronial-style landmark that dates back to 1904.
11 February 2026
Ulster University Study Highlights Barriers To Online Abuse Reporting
Ulster University has released a major safeguarding report detailing why children and young people frequently do not disclose technology-assisted sexual abuse. Commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) as part of the Executive's Online Safety Strategy, the findings were launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day.
Ulster University Study Highlights Barriers To Online Abuse Reporting
Ulster University has released a major safeguarding report detailing why children and young people frequently do not disclose technology-assisted sexual abuse. Commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) as part of the Executive's Online Safety Strategy, the findings were launched to coincide with Safer Internet Day.
11 February 2026
Police Ombudsman Seeks Feedback on 23 Proposals to Reform Complaints System
The Police Ombudsman's Office has launched a public consultation on 23 recommendations designed to modernise the police complaints system in Northern Ireland. The proposals, part of a mandatory five-year legislative review, aim to align local oversight with standards used in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
Police Ombudsman Seeks Feedback on 23 Proposals to Reform Complaints System
The Police Ombudsman's Office has launched a public consultation on 23 recommendations designed to modernise the police complaints system in Northern Ireland. The proposals, part of a mandatory five-year legislative review, aim to align local oversight with standards used in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales.
11 February 2026
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
SDLP Slams 'Distraction Politics' Over Benefit Fraud Crackdown
SDLP Opposition Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has criticised the Communities Minister for focusing on "demonising" welfare recipients rather than addressing urgent social needs.
11 February 2026
Construction Begins on Major £70m Innovation Hub in Titanic Quarter
A major milestone for Northern Ireland's digital economy has been reached as construction officially begins on the Momentum One Zero expansion in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.
Construction Begins on Major £70m Innovation Hub in Titanic Quarter
A major milestone for Northern Ireland's digital economy has been reached as construction officially begins on the Momentum One Zero expansion in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.
11 February 2026
Resurfacing Works Begin on £635,000 Rathfriland Road Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the start of a £635,000 resurfacing project on the Newry Road in Rathfriland. The scheme covers a 1,450-metre stretch of the A25, running from Grocers Road to the Greenhill Road junction. The project is designed to improve the structural strength and surface quality of the carriageway.
Resurfacing Works Begin on £635,000 Rathfriland Road Scheme
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed the start of a £635,000 resurfacing project on the Newry Road in Rathfriland. The scheme covers a 1,450-metre stretch of the A25, running from Grocers Road to the Greenhill Road junction. The project is designed to improve the structural strength and surface quality of the carriageway.
11 February 2026
Pedestrian Dies Following Fatal Collision in Newtownards
A man has died following a road traffic collision on the Kempe Stones Road in Newtownards on Tuesday, 10 February. The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report of a collision involving a car and a male pedestrian at approximately 6.50pm.
Pedestrian Dies Following Fatal Collision in Newtownards
A man has died following a road traffic collision on the Kempe Stones Road in Newtownards on Tuesday, 10 February. The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report of a collision involving a car and a male pedestrian at approximately 6.50pm.
11 February 2026
Major Peatland Restoration Project Launched For Fermanagh And Omagh
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has celebrated the launch of a significant €19.2 million environmental project aimed at restoring vital peatland habitats across the border counties.
Major Peatland Restoration Project Launched For Fermanagh And Omagh
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has celebrated the launch of a significant €19.2 million environmental project aimed at restoring vital peatland habitats across the border counties.
11 February 2026
NI Gender Identity Service Meets Cass Review Standards
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published a significant report confirming that Northern Ireland's Gender Identity Service is compliant with the recommendations of the 2024 Cass Review.
NI Gender Identity Service Meets Cass Review Standards
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published a significant report confirming that Northern Ireland's Gender Identity Service is compliant with the recommendations of the 2024 Cass Review.
11 February 2026
NI Motorists Face Reduced Choice and Rising Costs
Northern Ireland's car market is facing significant disruption as post-Brexit trading regulations threaten to limit vehicle availability and drive up prices for local consumers.
NI Motorists Face Reduced Choice and Rising Costs
Northern Ireland's car market is facing significant disruption as post-Brexit trading regulations threaten to limit vehicle availability and drive up prices for local consumers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.