Mourne Hotel Plans A 'Shot In The Arm'

Proposals for a new £15m four-star hotel in Rostrevor have been submitted to the planning service.

Provisions have been made for 100-bedrooms, along with a spa, gym, pool and 130-space car park.

The man behind the scheme, developer Miceal Tinnelly, hopes to build the hotel complex on a 35-acre site at the Greenpark Road.

It is predicted the project could create many much-needed jobs for the local construction sector, should it be given the go-ahead.

Plans have already been approved for chalets and groups accommodation close to the intended hotel site.

Rostrevor's credentials as a tourist spot has been affected by the lack of bed space, according to locals.

Many of the Mourne village's small hotels were destroyed in terrorist attacks during the 70s and 80s.

Mr Tinnelly said: "The hotel hopes to capitalise on the need for hospitality rooms, following the closure of the Roxborough, Ballyedmond and Great Northern hotels."

Architect Aidan Cole, of Cole Partnership Architecture and Project Management, said the designs were sympathetic to the nearby surroundings.

The plans were welcomed by local assemblyman PJ Bradley, who said the complex would provide a shot in the arm for the local economy.

"When approved the immediate positive impact will be to the benefit of the local construction industry," he said.

(PR/JM)