Northern Ireland architectural company, the Consarc Design Group, has beaten off stiff competition to secure a highly acclaimed RICS Award (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), for its conversion of two Grade A listed Victorian Bank Buildings into the five-star Merchant Hotel.

In its fifth RICS win, Concarc scooped the Award for Excellence in the Built Environment: Regeneration Category, which recognises improvements that make long-term contribution to the viability and prosperity of an area.

The £10 million Merchant Hotel, originally the 1867 headquarters of the Ulster Bank, was totally refurbished to include a restaurant, art gallery, nightclub and several bars.

Colin Maxwell, Director of Consarc Group, explained: "We are delighted that our work on one of Belfast's finest buildings has been acknowledged at such a high level. We were initially approached about this exciting project when our client (Bill Wolsey of Beannchor Ltd) had the brave idea of converting the neighbouring Grade 1 listed bank buildings into Belfast’s first Grand Hotel.

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"This enthusiasm fitted well with Consarc's philosophy – to protect and conserve the valuable building fabric, without being afraid to introduce modern elements where appropriate.

"Extensive research included visits to some of Europe's most beautiful hotels, inspiring us with the desire to reflect their quality and ambiance at home in Belfast.

"While technically challenging, our work has reaped rich rewards the introduction of the Merchant has not only protected and saved two very valuable Victorian buildings, but added a prestigious asset to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast as a whole."

The RICS Award scheme, now in its 17th year, promotes best industry practice. Key judging criteria include the history of the site, whether the scheme is part of a wider regeneration initiative and the reaction of the local community.

Some of the best building and conservation projects from around the world competed in this year's awards, divided into four categories: Building Conservation, Regeneration, Sustainability and Community Benefit.

(JM)