Two hotel brands that have not previously operated in Northern Ireland could form part of a major redevelopment of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, under plans that also propose around 1,000 new homes and the restoration of five listed buildings.
Castlebrooke Investments is leading the £195m scheme, which has been unveiled publicly as part of a consultation. The development would focus on previously neglected parts of Belfast city centre and is a scaled-back version of the company’s earlier Tribeca proposal.
A residential-focused replacement for Tribeca
The original scheme was valued at £400m and was intended to include a substantial retail element. The revised plans are instead centred on housing, following a rethink of how the area could be brought back into use.
Gerry Hughes, who is leading Castlebrooke Investments’ project, said the company had stepped back after the earlier proposal failed to progress. He told Ulster Business: “We stepped right back and started to think again about future of area, as the last scheme didn’t work out,”
Mr Hughes said the new approach would prioritise residential development because of the market and the need for more homes. The proposed housing would include homes for sale, build-to-rent accommodation, 120 communal-living units and 120 social or affordable homes integrated into the wider project.
Hotels, shops and restored historic buildings
The plans include two four-star hotels, with Castlebrooke currently discussing the hotel elements with operators. Both hotel brands involved in the design process would be new to Northern Ireland, although the source does not identify the chains.
Mr Hughes said: “Two hotels are being designed with input from two hotel chains at the moment – both brands are new to Northern Ireland.” He also said the scheme was being designed with operator input because it is being advanced as a full planning application.
Alongside the hotels and housing, the proposed development could provide up to 100,000 sq ft of mixed commercial and community space. That would include shops, restaurants, cafés and services, intended to create activity and footfall in the area.
Five listed buildings are also earmarked for restoration. They include The Masonic Hall, the Garfield Bar and the facades of the former North Street Arcade.
What the proposal means for Armagh readers
The development is in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter rather than Armagh. It is therefore not an Armagh planning or city-centre project, but it is a significant Northern Ireland business and regeneration proposal that could interest residents who follow hotel investment, housing development and urban renewal across the region.
The plans remain part of a public consultation and discussions with hotel operators are continuing. The supplied report does not provide a final planning decision, construction timetable or confirmed hotel names.
