Metropole could be rebuilt as hotel

The landmark building, which was formerly a hotel and one of the resort's most recognisable buildings, was badly damaged in the early hours of December 17 last year when serious structural damage was caused.

One of the owners of the landmark building, Drew Hempton has said that while the building will have to be demolished, there are plans to build a small hotel on the site.

Last week, the top storey of the building was demolished due to safety concerns.

"The top floor had to be taken off to make it safe," said Mr Hempton.

"It is most likely that the whole building will have to be demolished and we are planning to perhaps build a small hotel on the site.

"It is very early days yet and we have to make the area safe but I would say that demolition will begin sooner rather than later."

Mr Hempton said that planning permission had not yet been applied for as the main priority was to secure the site.

At the time of the blaze in December, five fire appliances were tasked to deal with the fire in the four-storey building, which was last used as a rooming house, but was unoccupied at the time.

Several nearby houses had to be evacuated while the blaze was dealt with.

The building has iconic status in Northern Ireland in that it has given its name to one of the most famous corners of the North West 200 circuit.

During race day hundreds of spectators fill the nearby railway bank to watch the riders enter Portrush at over 190mph.

At the time of the blaze, local businessman and UUP councillor Norman Hillis said the Metropole had long been identified with Portrush.

"It's the first thing you see when you enter Portrush and is so well known and is the town's most famous structure -even if it wasn't the most pleasing to look at.

"It is of course associated with the North West 200 and is the most famous corner in the race and that is how most people know it, and it is an icon of the race."

Mr Hillis added that something positive could come out of the affair.

"It will be sad to see the building go, but it has lingered on that site for a long time and if it does have to go then we have a chance here for a fresh start on a very famous site.

"I would love to see a really spectacular first-class hotel on the site."