Potential Demolition for Student Accommodation
The Botanic Inn and the Wellington Park Hotel, located in south Belfast, are under consideration for demolition to facilitate the construction of student flats.
The properties are owned by the Mooney Hotel Group, which has partnered with Graham, a construction company based in Hillsborough, to develop a project that could provide over 500 student rooms.
Plans indicate that the "Bot" would be reconstructed as part of the redevelopment, although specific details have not yet been finalized.
A pre-application planning notice has been submitted outlining the general concept of the scheme, preceding a full planning application.
Context of Student Accommodation Development
This proposal emerges amid a slowdown in the development of purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast.
In the previous month, property consultancy Savills stated that further development in this sector is currently not viable, noting that "market sentiment is that this sector is fully satisfied."
Despite this, the Mooney-Graham partnership believes the project's location near the main Queen's University campus offers a significant advantage.
Statements from Project Representatives
John McDonald from Graham commented on the site’s suitability for students, saying:
"This site is the perfect location for students of Queen's University. Our plans will provide game-changing campus living, allowing them to enjoy convenience, comfort and security that will enhance their overall student experience.
This will be further strengthened through our proposed partnership with Homes for Students, the UK's largest independent student accommodation provider.
The decision to enter the Northern Ireland market for the first time reflects their confidence in both the location and the quality of our proposals."
Felix Mooney, spokesperson for the Mooney Hotel Group, addressed changes in Belfast's hospitality industry, emphasizing a shift towards visitors to the city centre.
"The Wellington Park Hotel and the Botanic Inn are synonymous with Belfast hospitality.
We are immensely proud of what the Wellington Park Hotel has achieved over the past 75 years and are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, partners, and the community for their unwavering support."
