THE former owners of one of Belfast's best known gay venues are behind plans for a potential new 78-bedroom hotel in the city centre.
A public information event was held in Belfast on Thursday to gauge reaction for a proposed modern, boutique hotel on Queen Street.
The multi-million pound plans for the listed building - a former RUC station, include the refurbishment and extension of the existing building to provide a 78-bedroom hotel with lounge/ bar/ restaurant and courtyard space.
Big Top Productions, whose two directors are Andre Graham and Seamus Sweeney, has acquired the site with a view to development, although at this stage it has not been confirmed whether a planning application will be submitted in the future.
It is understood this will be dependant upon public reaction and demand for development.
The pair previously ran the Kremlin nightclub on Donegall Street, before selling it in 2014 for a reported £3 million.
The site of the proposed hotel on Queen Street first served as a children's hospital from 1879 to 1932 and then acted as a police station until closure in 1993.
In 2007 Sommerhill Residential Properties was granted planning permission for a 36-bedroom aparthotel at the site, but development never took place, while an application to refurbish the building to provide retail and restaurant space was previously approved in 2003.
An image of latest plans has been released by Belfast-based RPP Architects, while Barry Owens of Barry Owens Consultings is acting as planning consultant on the proposed development.
