Ireland's largest hotel operator Dalata has confirmed that it will begin construction of a new 206-bedroom Maldron Hotel in central Belfast in June.
The company announced it has signed a development contract with McAleer & Rushe, to deliver a new £21m hotel located on Brunswick Street in the city.
Planning permission for a new 14 storey hotel, designed by Belfast architect Consarc, was granted in November 2015. The hotel will be built on the site of the former Belfast Metropolitan College.
Dalata said that the new hotel will provide in excess of 100 new hospitality positions when operational.
Demolition of the site has already begun and construction is due to commence in June, with the hotel is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018.
Dermot Crowley, Deputy CEO Business Development and Finance, commented: "We are delighted to announce the development of a new Maldron Hotel in central Belfast, providing an extra 206 rooms in the city. RevPar growth was strong in 2015 in our existing Northern Ireland hotels and we have been keen to expand our portfolio in Belfast. This new hotel continues the rapid expansion of the Maldron brand on the island of Ireland and we look forward to working with McAleer & Rushe on the development."
Last month, Dalata said that it expected to add 4,000 or 5,000 rooms to its portfolio over the next five-to-seven years.
