GRAHAM Investment Projects (GIP) and the Mooney Hotel Group have announced a partnership to deliver a significant new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in South Belfast. The project involves the redevelopment of the landmark Wellington Park Hotel site to create approximately 561 student homes.

Situated directly within the Queen's University Belfast (QUB) quarter, the scheme is designed to offer students unparalleled proximity to their lectures. The plans include internal and external amenity spaces, alongside substantial courtyard gardens.

As part of the wider site evolution, the long-established Botanic Inn will be retained. Proposals for "the Bot" include a modernised reimagining of the venue, featuring vibrant recreation and amenity spaces designed to align with modern social habits.

John McDonald, Managing Director of GRAHAM Investment Projects, commented: "This site is the perfect location for students of Queen's University. Our plans will provide game-changing campus living, allowing them to enjoy convenience, comfort and security that will enhance their overall student experience.

"This will be further strengthened through our proposed partnership with Homes for Students, the UK's largest independent student accommodation provider. The decision to enter the Northern Ireland market for the first time reflects their confidence in both the location and the quality of our proposals. Homes for Students' involvement is a significant advantage for residents, who will benefit from exceptional on site management and service standards. Importantly, the expectations they place on students have consistently improved student conduct elsewhere. This approach will help to grow positive relationships with neighbouring communities."

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The architectural design aims to be both sustainable and contemporary, with careful consideration given to the Malone Conservation Area. Developers have also prioritised acoustic performance to minimise noise impacts on the surrounding community.

The project addresses a significant shortfall in local housing. While much of Belfast's current student accommodation is located in the city centre—over a mile from the main QUB hub—this development sits at the heart of the campus. With estimates suggesting Belfast will require 6,000 additional student rooms by 2030, the project is expected to ease pressure on the private rental market, potentially freeing up 150 traditional homes.

John McDonald added: "Primarily the proposed development will offer significant benefits to Queen's students. But it will also deliver a much wider impact for the local area. It will activate and animate the Malone Road through new ground floor retail offerings, for example. On a more strategic level, Belfast is facing a severe housing shortage. This development has the potential to ease pressure on the private rented sector by freeing up existing homes and enabling new residents to be accommodated in South Belfast."

The Wellington Park Hotel has been a fixture of South Belfast since 1955. Felix Mooney, of the Mooney Hotel Group, noted that while the hotel has a rich history, the hospitality market has shifted toward the city centre, making this the right time for the site to evolve.

Felix Mooney said: "The Wellington Park Hotel and the Botanic Inn are synonymous with Belfast hospitality. We are immensely proud of what the Wellington Park Hotel has achieved over the past 75 years and are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, partners, and the community for their unwavering support.

"As a Group, we believe now is the time to commence the evolution of the site. The hospitality sector has changed, with a greater emphasis on visitors to the city centre. However, there is no better location in the city that Wellington Park for Queen's students in terms of proximity and convenience. And, we are confident that our conceptual plans for the Botanic Inn will not just complement students but will reinvigorate this part of the Malone Road again. We see this as a new chapter for the site and are keen to ensure the local community is part of that evolution."