Following local council approval, the DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast-Templepatrick is set to undergo a significant transformation.
Patrick Kearney, the project’s applicant, revealed that a substantial investment has already been made in a “total refurbishment” of the hotel’s rooms, restaurant, and golf course. The total cost of the redevelopment is estimated to range from £14 million to £20 million.
“We want to mimic Gleneagles in Scotland. There is no reason why Northern Ireland can’t have a destination like Gleneagles,” Kearney explained, as reported by Love Ballymena.
The extensive redevelopment project includes a 68-suite extension to the existing structure and introduces a variety of unique accommodation options. The plans call for the addition of 21 shepherds’ huts, log cabins, and eight glamping pods. A manager’s lodge will also be constructed.
The proposal also includes proposed hotel suites, a glazed link, a conservatory extension, glamping cabins, an outdoor area pergola, and a fishing jetty.
To accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors, 304 additional car parking spaces and landscaping are proposed. The project is also expected to create 120 jobs upon completion and up to 50 construction jobs during the development phase.
While the project garnered significant support, it faced opposition. The planning committee received objections from 14 concerned parties, primarily focusing on potential over-development and the impact on existing infrastructure.
However, a planning officer reassured the committee that the proposals would have “no detrimental impact on neighboring properties.”
Stephen Blaney, the planning agent for the project, emphasized the substantial investment already made in the hotel’s infrastructure. He stated, “Considerable investment has been made in the infrastructure of this hotel already. All we need are more tourists attracted to an enhanced offering.”
Blaney also addressed potential concerns, emphasizing that there were “no significant concerns related to neighborhood amenities, parking, road conditions, ecology, or archaeology.”
