THE Beannchor Group's long-awaited Haslem Hotel, conceived more than two years ago by hospitality visionary Bill Wolsey, opens today in the heart of Lisburn, creating 50 jobs.
Described as a "casual and relaxed no fuss hotel", the Haslem - only the second major hotel ever to open in the city - features 45 bedrooms, an 80-seater open plan lobby and bar area, 68-seater restaurant, residents’ gym, and conference room.
Targeted at business travellers from across Britain and Ireland, it represents a £4 million investment by the north's largest hospitality group, whose hotel portfolio includes the Merchant and the Bullitt, both in Belfast.
The Haslem occupies around 30,000 sq ft of the Lisburn Square scheme, built on the site of the former Argos store and adjoining first floor space.
The hotel, which is aiming for four-star status, boasts three bedroom sizes all with super-fast broadband, 55-inch TV and specially commissioned art by local screen printer and painter Leo Boyd.
Its Haslem Kitchen restaurant will be runs by by Patrick Leonard, executive head chef of sister venue The Merchant, and showcases locally-sourced ingredients from the likes of Carnreagh Cottage Farm, Draynes Farm, Begney Hill Pork, Mourne Lamb, Craft Tea Brewing Company and Freebird Tea.
Beannchor director Conall Wolsey, who las led the Haslem project, said: “Despite the ongoing challenges 2020 has brought, we're delighted we’ve been able to move this latest project forward to completion and create 50 full- and part-time roles at a time when hospitality jobs are scarce.
“Haslem is an entirely new concept for Beannchor, but we are confident demand is there - for locals seeking out a place to come and socialise, and for tourists travelling for business and leisure from the UK and RoI.”
Nicky McCollum, development director of Lisburn Square, said: “We're thrilled to see Haslem open its doors and we have no doubt the hotel’s arrival will significantly enhance the Square and boost the city’s day and night time economy.
“We have been working hard since 2015 to reposition the city as a destination, and with the arrival of Haslem, we can begin to attract visitors from further afield, positioning Lisburn as an emerging hub between Belfast and Dublin.”
Lisburn has historically been under-served for hotel provision, and only with the opening in the last decade of the Premier Inn near Sprucefield has it offered a sleep service for guests.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is currently seeking bids for the redevelopment of a1.4 acre site in Castle Street for a full-service 80-bed hotel which it expects to be operational by 2022.
