Green light for hotel after failed George Best project

Belfast City Council has granted planning permission for a new multimillion-pound luxury hotel.

Construction is under way on the redevelopment of the Scottish Mutual Building in Bedford Street.

Scheduled to open before the end of this year, the Bedford Hotel is being developed by the Londonderry-based firm Martin Property Group.

The listed building was going to be turned into a George Best-themed hotel, but the company behind that project went into administration in 2020 before it could open.

A legal dispute with small investors then prevented the building from being sold.

That issue was resolved by a High Court judgement in June 2022, which cleared the way for the sale.

Once completed, the hotel will offer 102 bedrooms alongside a restaurant and cafe bar.

The planning committee heard the developer's partner, Focus Hotels, aims to open the hotel in October, "securing an investment into the city of around £21m and creating 125 new hospitality jobs".

Martin Property Group have been one of the most active buyers of Belfast property in recent years.

Managing director Paul Martin said they were "delighted" to have secured planning permission, which he said marked a major milestone in their vision to transform the building.

"This project represents a significant investment in the city, not only preserving an important part of Belfast's history and architectural heritage but also contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the tourism and hospitality sector," he added.

The chair of the council's planning committee welcomed the conversion and restoration of a Grade B1 listed building.

"The new hotel is within the Linen Quarter conservation area and will be an enhancement to the area through its character and appearance," councillor Arder Carson added.