A major hotel development for the city's iconic Ebrington Square got the thumbs up from planners today, with a unanimous vote in favour of the 152-bedroom development.
Applications were lodged by Ebrington Leisure Holdings Ltd, who propose to transform historic barracks buildings, which occupy one of the city's most strategic investment sites.
The hotel will boast a new leisure spa, function, meeting room, restaurant and bar facilities, with associated ancillary areas and site works to facilitate access and servicing.
Speaking after the decision Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Dan Kelly, said, 'Tourism is a key economic driver for Derry and Strabane and with bed nights on the increase the development of the new hotel is timely, and will be a great asset in terms of growing the city's capacity to accommodate guests.
'The fact that the hotel is based at one of the city's most scenic and historic sites will also be a great draw for tourists, especially with the proposed new maritime museum located on site.
'The hotel, in tandem with the additional plans for development of a temporary public carpark and a new brewery at the site, will also further enhance the potential of Ebrington Square as a desired and strategic location for other investors to consider.'