Derry’s Martin Property Group has landed a deal with independent English operator Focus to open a new five-star hotel in Belfast city centre next year.
Focus Hotels has secured the management contract for The Bedford Hotel, which will open in the Scottish Mutual Building in 2025.
The listed-building was previously the site of a failed bid by Liverpool developer Lawrence Kenwright to redevelop it into a George Best themed hotel.
Administrators took control of the asset following the collapse of Signature Living in 2020.
The Martin Property Group bought the Scottish Mutual Building for £5.5 million in December 2022 following a bidding process and immediately announced plans for a new high-end boutique hotel.
The Bedford Street building joined a growing portfolio of assets owned by the Martin Property Group across Derry, Belfast and Britain.
Focus Hotels Management Limited has announced it will run the new venue, which will be called The Bedford Hotel.
It marks the first entry into the Northern Ireland market for the English company.
Martin Property Group director, Paul Martin, said: “Focus shares our ambition for the hotel to offer the very best hospitality experience in Belfast, characterised by extraordinary service and a unique embodiment of the city’s spirit and story across time.
“We greatly look forward to opening the hotel in 2025, guided by the expertise and insight of the Focus team.”
The Focus portfolio includes a number of small and medium-sized hotel across England and Scotland, including Doubletree by Hilton hotels at Heathrow and in Bristol.
Devin Grosse, CEO of Focus Hotels, said: “Securing the management contract for The Bedford Hotel is a significant achievement for Focus Hotels.
“We are honoured to be part of this prestigious project and are committed to leveraging our expertise to craft an unparalleled guest experience.
“We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic property.”
