A SMALL student accommodation block next to Ulster University’s new Belfast city centre campus is to be developed into tourist accommodation.
A former office building, Mark Royal House on Donegall Street was opened as a 45-bedroom student scheme in 2015, one of the first new residential developments in anticipation of Ulster University’s relocation to its new York Street campus.
But three years after it was due to be completed, work on the university campus is still ongoing.
Now the Warren Collection has announced Mark Royal House will become its second project in Belfast, with the student rooms revamped as “minimalist” and “quirky” low cost tourist accommodation for the popular Cathedral Quarter.
‘The Quarter’ is due to open this spring, one year after the new hospitality group opened ‘Number 11’, a 12-bedroom boutique hotel inside a converted Victorian townhouse on Belfast's Malone Road.
Managing directors David Warren and Mark Docherty said they plan to market the Cathedral Quarter rooms from £45.
“Hotel rates do not need to be excessive to ensure visitors are provided with the very best user experience,” said Mr Warren.
“At The Quarter we have combined smart design with new technology to create an environment that is high-end as well as being great value for money.”
Mr Docherty added: “Belfast is a prime location for the Warren Collection. In normal trading times, it has a strong influx of international visitors. Even with the current travel restrictions in place, the city has character; a tangible and growing vibe also popular with domestic visitors.”
