£2.5m restoration brings Regency charm to city

One of south Belfast’s most iconic buildings has been transformed into an 8,000 sq ft hospitality venue thanks to a £2.5 million restoration project.

The Regency in Upper Crescent will offer luxury accommodation in the city and comprises six bespoke one-bed and two-bed luxury private residences, complete with a communal garden and two private courtyards.

The former Regency House was built was 1846 by the timber merchant Robert Corry and has been restored by Aurient Ltd, an investment house run by entrepreneurs Anthony Kieran and Cecil Hetherington.

Each residence will be available to book for short-stay visitors from early 2022 and features premium interiors, furniture and antiques from companies such as Herbert Gould, Alwood Kitchens, Soaks, David Scott and Wilson’s Yard.

The Regency is the first of a series of restoration developments to be undertaken by Aurient as part of a five-year commitment to regenerate the Crescent area and respond to the growing demand for premium accommodation.

The business partners, best-known for the UsedCarsNI.com digital platform, also purchased 14 and 15 Upper Crescent, two doors down from The Regency, and construction is expected to begin next year to transform the terrace buildings into a similar offering and standard.

Anthony Kieran, director of Aurient Ltd, said: “Restoring the old Regency House and transforming it into The Regency has been a complete and utter passion project, and to see these magnificent grand terraces stand tall once again is a very special moment for all of us.

“Now that The Regency has been restored to its former glory, we’re looking forward to sharing these buildings with visitors from all over the world.

“There’s been an increasing demand – thanks to shows likes Bridgerton – for people seeking to experience stays in traditional Georgian buildings of a bygone time, and as we reopen the doors to The Regency, there’ll now be the opportunity to experience that in Belfast.”