Developer outlines plans for new luxury hotel in Lisburn

Six years after planning permission was first sought Environment Minister Alex Attwood gave the green light for the multi-million pound development by Arborhill Ltd, which will see a 100 bedroom four star plus hotel, together with conference and leisure facilities, at the site which is across the river from the Premier Inn.

Making the announcement on Wednesday, Mr Attwood said: “This is great news for Lisburn given the economic and social benefits it will bring to the city, including up to 200 new jobs. It will enhance the range of tourist accommodation in the area and boost visitor numbers to the benefit of local shops, restaurants and businesses.”

Ken Cleland, Managing Director of Arborhill Ltd, together with his son, Projects Manager Peter Cleland, have said they are delighted that approval has at last been granted and that work can now “move forward forcefully” to find a hotelier to operate the multi-million development.

Mr Cleland revealed that the £9.5 million development would be operated by an “international brand not currently operating in Northern Ireland.”

“It is superb news that permission has finally been given to approve this quality hotel development,” continued Mr Cleland. “The associated inward investment and employment opportunities that will be created will be a significant economic boost. Additionally the local community will greatly benefit from the improved facilities and access arrangements that will be provided as part of the scheme.”

In addition to the hotel facilities, the development, which sits on the boundary to the Lagan Valley Regional Park, will open up the park, particularly for wheelchair users who have struggled with access to the towpath.

“This plan opens up the Lagan Valley Regional Park in a new way and we have specifically designed the scheme with disability access to the Lagan towpath,” continued Mr Cleland. “This now allows wheelchair users and families with prams an opportunity to enjoy the riverside walkway that was not previously available.”

Mr Cleland made it clear that Arbohill Ltd were determined to proceed with the development as soon as was viable. “During the planning application process we have been in discussions with several international branded hotels who have been excited by the prospect of being involved in this quality gateway hotel to Lisburn City,” he concluded. “We trust that following this announcement that we can move forward in a spirit of positive expectation that commercial matters can now proceed unimpeded.”

He continued: “We would like to acknowledge our professional team, William Shannon Architects, RPS Engineers, Donaldson Planning Consultancy and BS Design Consultants whose aptitude and professionalism has been essential in creating an outstanding design that is both sympathetic and appropriate for the maturely landscaped site.

“We would like to thank Lisburn City Council for their invaluable support for this project which has been resolute from the concept stage and in particular I would like to thank Paul Givan MLA and Edwin Poots MLA for all their work in helping us to overcome obstacles.

“Additionally we would like to thank the local business community and local residents who came out in force to support the hotel with their thousands of support letters,” he added.

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