Plans to expand one of Belfast's most luxurious hotels have been unveiled.

The Merchant, nestled in the heart of the city's thriving Cathedral Quarter, will build an additional 38 rooms, as well as a spa, jazz bar and rooftop garden as part of the £16m scheme.

The five star establishment, formally a bank building, will also develop new conference and event facilities, which are all due for completion by next summer.

Now occupying an entire city block from Waring Street, through Skipper Street and High Street, owner Bill Wolsey said the expansive extension was part of his long term vision for the hotel.

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He said the new phase had been in development over a number of years with careful consideration afforded to every new element.

"We have created a landmark that the people of Belfast can continue to be take pride in."

Mr Wolsey continued: "The innovative facilities will allow us to further grow our profile as an international standard bearer for Northern Ireland’s tourism and hospitality industry.

"We have much to look forward to with the completion of the New Chapter in 2010."

In all, the £16m project, which is set to create 100 new jobs, will include 38 new bedrooms - the largest guest rooms available in Belfast; a luxury spa with five treatment rooms, a Champagne nail bar, a hydrotherapy area and dining facilities; a rooftop gymnasium with panoramic city views; a jazz bar; a roof top garden; and six multi-purpose, self contained meeting rooms and events suite.

Exterior design for The Merchant Hotel’s New Chapter was undertaken by local conservational architects Consarc, who were behind the original refurbishment of the hotel, with interior design provided by O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates.

(PR/KMcA)