The old Scottish Mutual building in Belfast city centre looks set to become a hotel at last.
Planning permission for a new 102-bedroom hotel was given the green light, at this week’s Belfast City Council Planning Committee meeting.
The development will see the conversion and restoration of the Grade B1 Listed Scottish Mutual Building, at the junction of Bedford Street, Donegall Square South and James Street South, into a new hotel with bars, restaurants and a ground floor extension.
Derry’s Martin Property Group is behind the plan. It bought the property for £5.5 million in December 2022. The building was previously destined to become the George Best Hotel following its acquisition by an English property developer.
Two Council applications were also approved by the Committee – the first for a new 3G football pitch on an existing grass football pitch at Carnanmore Park, one of four pitches which are adjacent to Suffolk Community Centre in west Belfast.
The second planning application was for a new stained-glass window on the ground floor of City Hall exploring the city’s LGBTQ+ history.
Councillor Arder Carson, Chair of the council’s Planning Committee said: “Granting planning permission for another new hotel in the city centre is welcome news.
“The plans for the new hotel, where the former Scottish Mutual Building is, are also important as they will see the conversion and restoration of another Grade B1 listed building in the city centre. This new hotel development is within the Linen Quarter Conservation area and will be an enhancement to the area through its character/appearance.
“The development further reinforces Council’s commitment to develop the city centre and make it an attractive place for people to visit, stay, as well as, work, study and invest in.”