Belfast City Council has approved planning permission for the construction of a new multi-million-pound hotel in the city.
The Bedford Hotel, being developed by the Derry/Londonderry-based Martin Property Group, is slated to open in October and will create 85 jobs.
Martin Property Group submitted its planning application in February of last year to transform the Edwardian-style Scottish Mutual Building into a hotel.
Construction is currently ongoing at the listed building on Bedford Street, which will feature 102 bedrooms, along with a destination restaurant, café, and bar once completed.
Independent hospitality management company Focus Hotels will manage the property once it opens.
Paul Martin, managing director at Martin Property Group, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this exciting new boutique hotel in the heart of Belfast city centre, which marks a major milestone in our vision to transform this iconic building into a vibrant hospitality destination.
“The Bedford hotel will deliver a luxury experience for visitors while securing a significant number of jobs, both during the construction phase and in long-term hospitality roles. We look forward to welcoming guests when the doors open later this year and to seeing the positive impact this development will have on the city and the wider Belfast economy for many years to come.”
