'We believe now is the time to commence the evolution of the site': Plans unveiled by Northern Ireland firms to redevelop landmark Belfast hotel and pub into 561 student accommodation scheme
Graham Investment Projects and the Mooney Hotel Group are proposing a major redevelopment of the landmark south Belfast site, including new student accommodation and a reimagined Botanic Inn
A major redevelopment plan has been unveiled for the former Wellington Park Hotel site in south Belfast, with proposals to deliver more than 560 purpose-built student accommodation homes in the heart of the Queen’s University area.
Hillsborough construction firm Graham Investment Projects (GIP) and the Belfast family-owned Mooney Hotel Group are partnering on the scheme, which would transform the long-standing Malone Road site into a large-scale student living development.
Subject to planning approval, the development could deliver around 561 professionally managed student rooms, alongside landscaped courtyard gardens, indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, and new ground-floor retail units designed to help revitalise the surrounding area.
The redevelopment would also retain the iconic Botanic Inn as part of the wider project, with proposals to modernise and reimagine the venue as a new social and recreational hub.
GIP managing director John McDonald described the proposals as ‘game-changing’ for students attending Queen’s University Belfast due to the site’s central campus location.
John explained: "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.
"Homes for Students’ involvement is a significant advantage for residents, who will benefit from exceptional on site management and service standards. Importantly, the expectations they place on students have consistently improved student conduct elsewhere."
The proposed scheme has been designed to complement the character of the Malone Conservation Area, with developers stating that careful attention has been given to architecture, sustainability and minimising noise impacts on neighbouring properties.
John added: "Primarily the proposed development will offer significant benefits to Queen’s students. But it will also deliver a much wider impact for the local area. It will activate and animate the Malone Road through new ground floor retail offerings, for example. On a more strategic level, Belfast is facing a severe housing shortage. This development has the potential to ease pressure on the private rented sector by freeing up existing homes and enabling new residents to be accommodated in South Belfast."
If the proposals are approved, it will signal the evolution of the landmark south Belfast site. The Wellington Park has been welcoming visitors through its doors since 1955. The next cohort of visitors will now change from tourists to students.
Felix Mooney, representing the Mooney Hotel Group which owns both businesses, recognises the legacy and rich history of the Wellington Park Hotel and "the Bot".
He added: "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”.
"As a group, we believe now is the time to commence the evolution of the site.
"The hospitality sector has changed, with a greater emphasis on visitors to the city centre. However, there is no better location in the city that Wellington Park for Queen’s students in terms of proximity and convenience.
"And, we are confident that our conceptual plans for the Botanic Inn will not just complement students but will reinvigorate this part of the Malone Road again. We see this as a new chapter for the site and are keen to ensure the local community is part of that evolution."