Plans for a major hotel development in L'Derry's Ebrington Square were unanimously approved yesterday, 29 May.

The 152-bedroom development was approved by planners after applications were proposed to transform the original barracks buildings.

The hotel will include a new leisure spa, function, meeting room, restaurant and bar facilities, with associated ancillary areas and site works to facilitate access and servicing.

Three listed buildings at Ebrington Barracks will also be refurbished and reused with a new three storey modern infill addition between Building 63 and the Clock Tower Building 67 - 69 fronting onto Ebrington Square. A new four storey extension to the rear of the Clocktower Building is also part of the development.

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Chair of the Planning Committee, Councillor Dan Kelly, welcomed the forthcoming development: "I was delighted to see today's application progress through Committee and I look forward to seeing what will be the transformation of the historic buildings which occupy one of the city's most strategic investment sites.

"Tourism is a key economic driver for Derry and Strabane and with bed nights on the increase the development of the new hotel is timely, and will be a great asset in terms of growing the city's capacity to accommodate guests. The fact that the hotel is based at one of the city's most scenic and historic sites will also be a great draw for tourists, especially with the proposed new maritime museum located on site.

"The hotel, in tandem with the additional plans for development of a temporary public carpark and a new brewery at the site, will also further enhance the potential of Ebrington Square as a desired and strategic location for other investors to consider."

(CM/MH)