Business

Hospitality entrepreneurs step in to buy Urban HQ from Magell

Quirk and Humston acquire exclusive flexible workspace in Belfast city centre from Ballymena property group

Property and hospitality entrepreneurs Justin Quirk and Conall Humston have paid an undisclosed sum to acquire the 32,000 sq ft Urban HQ flexible workspace at Eagle Star House on Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre, which opened four years ago
Announcing the change of ownership at Urban HQ are (from left) Conall Humston (owner), Donna Daniels (operations director), Jamie McCoubrey (managing director) and Justin Quirk (owner) (Kelvin Boyes)

Property and hospitality entrepreneurs Justin Quirk and Conall Humston have paid an undisclosed sum to acquire Urban HQ in Belfast city centre from the Ballymena property company whose portfolio includes Fairhill shopping centre.

The 32,000 sq ft flexible workspace at Eagle Star House on Upper Queen Street, which is home to a range of local and international businesses from the tech and professional services sectors, was previously owned by Magell.

And the new owners have vowed to bring a “fresh vision” to one of the city’s leading and most exclusive flexible workspaces.

Under the duo’s ownership, Urban HQ aims to strengthen its commitment to providing an inclusive and dynamic environment for its current and future members.

Justin Quirk is an experienced entrepreneur and property developer, currently owning the five-star Wilton House Serviced Apartments in Belfast.

He is actively involved in various investments in start-ups and operational businesses, and holds board member and non-executive director roles, alongside managing multiple property developments.



Conall Humston has a diverse business portfolio, primarily in the hospitality sector. He has most recently invested in The Pizza Co. chain, investing in state-of-the-art technology and a complete rebrand of all six stores across greater Belfast, with plans for future growth across Northern Ireland.

He also holds various non-executive director and board member roles, including the Boatyard Distillery and Tiny Life charity.

Justin said: “We are thrilled to be taking the reins at Urban HQ. Our goal is to continue to enhance the Urban HQ member experience and create even more opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

Conall added: " We are looking forward to reinforcing Urban HQ’s position as the place to be for businesses who want to occupy the best quality space on flexible terms.”

Jamie McCoubrey, managing director at Urban HQ, said: “We are delighted to welcome both Justin and Conall as new owners.

“We’ve been encouraged by how well received Urban HQ has been since opening in September 2020, with our team on the ground offering the very best service and our building offering a truly design-led approach.”