A £2.5 million extension of The Rabbit Hotel in County Antrim to add 17 luxury new guestrooms will be ready for its first guests in early December, the Galgorm Collection has announced.
The hospitality group, named for its flagship hotel and spa outside Ballymena, said the expansion of the four star Templepatrick venue will involve the creation of 14 new jobs.
The Galgorm Collection originally bought the 24-bedroom former Templeton Hotel for £7m in 2019.
The group has already invested £12m to create a 33-bedroom boutique venue, which employs 150 people.
The latest cash injection involves the development of a new courtyard at the site.
Galgorm group finance director Tiarnan O’Neill said the 17 new guestrooms are due to be ready for December 6.
“This £2.5m investment underscores our commitment to continuously evolve and elevate our guest experience, while also creating valuable job opportunities for the local area,” he said.
“We’re proud to contribute to the regional economy and boost tourism in the area, attracting visitors from across the island and beyond to experience the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer.”
Lynsey Gordon, associate director at The Rabbit Hotel, added: “The hotel has been the subject of significant investment since its acquisition by Galgorm Collection in 2019 and we are incredibly proud of the dramatic transformation that has been realised across the site.
“The extensive redevelopment – a result of our team’s talents, dedication and efforts coupled with the unwavering support of our guests – has seen the hotel rightfully recognised both nationally and internationally as offering an outstanding experience to guests.
“As we continue to further progress our planned redevelopment works, we’re pleased to now be able to share our latest expansion plans which will significantly enhance this unique property. With proposals agreed and contractors on site, I’m delighted to confirm that our 17 new bedrooms will be finished by the start of December this year and we look forward to welcoming our first guests just in time for the busy festive season.”
