Developer unveils vision for £57m wellness hotel in Bushmills
A new £57m luxury wellness hotel and lodge just outside Bushmills could create up to 350 full-time jobs, it has been revealed.
Partner and developer Lexy Halliday, said the new 150-bedroom Bushmills Resort, which will include around 80 luxury lodges, will be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
London-based Holder Mathias Architects, who recently completed the new Center Parcs in Longford, are working on the project alongside planning consultancy Carlin Planning.
Mr Halliday, who for many years has run a car dealership in the area, told the Belfast Telegraph: “For me, it’s about rejuvenating – walks, and connecting with nature. It’s about getting away from the chaotic lives we are all living.
“With the hotel, we will be the developer and we are in talks with a few different hotel operators which are interested in engaging at this stage.
“This type of wellness option doesn’t really exist in Ireland and we are trying to package all of that together. We are seeing this as a basecamp to explore the north coast.”
Plans for the site, located close to the Straid Road, include wellness spas, activities such as yoga and Pilates, along with biomarker health tests, allowing visitors to get an annual ‘MOT’ check while at the resort.
The resort could also see around 4,000 trees planted in the area. An early proposal of application has been submitted ahead of a full planning submission following public consultation.
In terms of employment, Mr Halliday said: “It could be 250-350 full-time roles – the season is now 10 months a year. There is an opportunity to bring on apprenticeships and engage at an early level… you need that tourism spend washing through the village.”
The developer will now host two public consultation events, including one in Bushmills on March 31 and a second in Portrush on April 28.
