A new 102-bedroom hotel and a 3G football pitch were among the proposals approved by Belfast City Council's Planning Committee at their most recent meeting.

The hotel development will see the conversion and restoration of the Grade B1 Listed Scottish Mutual Building, located at the junction of Bedford Street, Donegall Square South, and James Street South. The plans include bars, restaurants, and a ground floor extension.

In addition, the committee approved plans for a new 3G football pitch at Carnanmore Park in west Belfast, replacing an existing grass pitch adjacent to the Suffolk Community Centre. A second council application was also approved, for a new stained-glass window on the ground floor of City Hall, designed to explore the city's LGBTQ+ history.


Welcoming the hotel development, Councillor Arder Carson, Chair of the council's Planning Committee, said: "Granting planning permission for another new hotel in the city centre is welcome news. The plans for the new hotel, where the former Scottish Mutual Building is, are important as they will see the conversion and restoration of another Grade B1 listed building in the city centre. The new hotel is within the Linen Quarter Conservation area and will be an enhancement to the area through its character/appearance."

He added that the development reinforces the council's commitment to developing the city centre and making it an attractive destination for visitors, residents, and investors.