Courthouse faces final sentence
Hotels - 12/09/2006 14:48:25
An old courthouse in Belfast, which has long been thought of as one of the city's major landmarks, could be re-opened as a luxury hotel.
Property developer Barry Gilligan, who is hoping to get permission to convert the building, says he believes the plans could help regenerate that part of the city.
Eight years ago, the courthouse was closed down and sold to property company Ewart for just £1.
It was then bought by Mr Gilligan, who has been responsible for a number of projects that have helped to transformed the city centre in the past.
Mr Gilligan is currently seeking planning permission to convert the dilapidated courthouse into a five star luxury hotel containing 160 bedrooms.
If the proposals are given the go-ahead, the £25 million project could generate up to 200 jobs in north Belfast and encourage tourists from across the world to visit the city.
Mr Gilligan insists that the project, which is due to be completed within three years, would preserve many historical features such as the underground tunnel leading to the former jail across the road.
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