A bid to turn a former HMRC office building in Belfast into the city’s latest aparthotel has taken a major step forward.
City planning officials have recommended approval for the Andras House proposal to convert the vacant Dorchester House on Great Victoria Street into a 136-room aparthotel.
The new accommodation venture, just across the street from the Europa Hotel, is set to become the first Adagio Aparthotel in the north, and could mark the Accor Hotel brand’s debut on the island.
Adagio has also been linked with an aparthotel project in Cork for the JMK Group, which also has planning approval for a major new hotel next to Titanic Belfast.
The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has also signed up with Andras for an aparthotel-style venture on Bedford Street.
Staybridge Suites Belfast, which is expected to open in 2027, will feature 132 units in a new 13-storey development, set to be built close to Dorchester House.
The proposal to redevelop the former Inland Revenue building will go before Belfast City Council’s planning committee on Tuesday evening.
It comes four years after the hotel company, headed by Rajesh Rana, acquired Dorchester House.
The Andras proposal involves the creation of additional floors at the 10-storey building, which will feature 174 bed across 136 units.
Meanwhile, Andras House has announced a £7 million finance package with Ulster Bank for its largest hotel investment outside Belfast to date.
The £11m Marcus Hotel Portrush is currently being developed on the site of former Londonderry Hotel in Portrush.
The 83-bedroom project, which will open under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, is due to be open in time for The Open, which returns to Royal Portrush next year.
“This is a strategically important investment for Andras House and a continuation of our thriving relationship with Ulster Bank,” said Rajesh Rana.
“It’s a reflection of the successes of our developments in Belfast and it represents an important milestone for the future of the company too.
“As visitors flock to the north coast we see great opportunity to extend our reach and offer the same high-quality hospitality experience regionally.”
The Andras House portfolio in Belfast already includes two Ibis hotels, two Holiday Inns, the Crowne Plaza and Hampton by Hilton.
The family-run company also acquired the ETAP Hotel on Dublin Road for £7.35m in early 2024.
