Favourite Student Haunt The Bot to be Redeveloped as Accommodation

Hotel site to be redeveloped as student accommodation – Belfast hospitality institution to be incorporated in plans

InsiderMedia reported that ‘the plans will see the transformation of the former Wellington Park Hotel site into a purpose-built, professionally managed student accommodation development of about 561 homes.

‘The South Belfast scheme will also feature internal and external amenity areas and courtyard gardens for student residents who will live just a short walk from the location of their classes and lectures.

The Botanic Inn, a long established Belfast institution, will continue to exist as part of the wider redevelopment.

While the proposals remain conceptual at this stage, “the Bot” is set to be re-imagined and modernised with vibrant amenity and recreation space.

The proposed redevelopment provides a convenience for QUB students, positioned directly within the heart of the campus.

GIP managing director John McDonald said: “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.”

The sustainable and contemporary architectural design has been tailored to respect the character and appearance of the Malone Conservation Area.’

Felix Mooney, representing the Mooney Hotel Group which owns both businesses, recognises the legacy and rich history of the Wellington Park Hotel and “the Bot”.

He 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.”