Hotel plan for disused building

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A disused building in Belfast is to be given a new lease of life as an upmarket aparthotel, bar and grillroom.

Armagh House on Ormeau Avenue is to be turned into 30 apartments, including two penthouse suites, in a £20m regeneration scheme.

It is hoped the work will begin in October 2008, subject to planning permission. The project could create up to 100 jobs.

The plans were announced by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie.

"The redevelopment of the old Armagh House building is a great opportunity to ensure the existing character of the area is retained while creating a significant new building on a prominent site," she said.

Armagh House in Belfast is currently derelict

"I believe the proposal... offers an opportunity to create something new for Belfast which will bring quality development, vitality and vibrancy to this area and long-term benefit to the local community."

Developers Nicholas and Paul Hill are hoping to transform the former government building into the Drake Aparthotel.

It is aimed at longer term visitors to Belfast who want the flexibility of apartment living with all the advantages offered by a hotel.

Mr Hill said: "We would intend to sympathetically restore and extend the old Armagh House building to produce a unique luxury development which will complement not only our own existing interests but the wider regeneration of this area of Belfast."

It is expected that the scheme will bring significant new jobs to the area with 71 full-time and 20 part-time jobs projected.