A £2.5 million restoration project which created more than 50 jobs during its construction phase has transformed one of south Belfast’s most iconic buildings into a new luxury accommodation offering for the city.
The Regency, an 8,000 sq ft hospitality venue in Upper Crescent, comprises six bespoke one-bed and two-bed luxury private residences, complete with one communal garden and two private courtyards.
The former Regency House was built was 1846 by the timber merchant Robert Corry.
Aurient Ltd, an investment house run by entrepreneurs Anthony Kieran and Cecil Hetherington, is behind the project (www.theregencybelfast.com).
They recruited the expertise and knowledge of a number of talented craftspeople including architect Gerry Rogers, builder Noel Savage and interior designer Orla Higgins.
Each residence - which will be available to book for short-stay visitors from early 2022 - has been finished to the highest standard, featuring premium interiors, furniture and antiques from companies such as Herbert Gould, Alwood Kitchens, Soaks, David Scott and Wilson’s Yard.
This is the first of a series of restoration developments to be undertaken by Aurient as part of a five-year commitment to regenerate the Crescent area and respond to the growing demand for premium accommodation.
The business partners, best-known for the UsedCarsNI.com digital platform, have purchased 14 and 15 Upper Crescent, two doors down from The Regency, and construction is expected to begin next year to transform the terrace buildings into a similar offering and standard.
Aurient has also purchased 14 Lower Crescent, located off Botanic Avenue to create a mixed-use space, with the Used Cars NI office on the lower floors and two apartments on the top floor.
Anthony Kieran, director of Aurient Ltd, said: “Restoring the old Regency House and transforming it into The Regency has been a complete and utter passion project, and to see these magnificent grand terraces stand tall once again is a very special moment for all of us.
“Now that The Regency has been restored to its former glory, we're looking forward to sharing these buildings with visitors from all over the world.
“There’s been an increasing demand – thanks to shows likes Bridgerton - for people seeking to experience stays in traditional Georgian buildings of a bygone time, and as we reopen the doors to The Regency, there’ll now be the opportunity to experience that in Belfast.”
He added: “But our work at the Crescent has only begun. We are determined to breathe life into the wider Crescent area and make it a beautiful space in Belfast that both residents and locals will enjoy and be proud of.
“In addition to purchasing 14 Lower Crescent and 14 and 15 Upper Crescent, both of which construction work will commence next year, our team has also been involved in a community relations group with Council representatives and MLAs to discuss how, collaboratively, we can further rejuvenate the local area and surrounding green space.
“We’ve made great progress to date and are confident that the Crescent will be firmly on the map as one of Belfast’s most desirable – and best connected addresses.”
