Plans submitted to transform vacant Belfast city centre offices into 233-bedroom hotel

lans for a new Belfast hotel featuring 233 bedrooms have been submitted to Belfast City Council, proposing the transformation of a vacant city centre office building into modern visitor accommodation.

The proposed development at Clarence Court, 10–18 Adelaide Street, would see the former offices converted into a hotel operating under the name The Meridian, complete with a restaurant, bar, guest lounge and additional seventh-floor accommodation.

The proposals remain subject to planning approval.

Belfast hotel plans would transform vacant offices

Clarence Court, which includes frontage onto Adelaide Street, Alfred Street and Franklin Street, was previously used as office accommodation.

The redevelopment would bring the vacant property back into use, with hotel bedrooms proposed across the first seven floors.

According to the development proposals, the ground floor would accommodate a reception area, guest lounge, breakfast and restaurant facilities, bar, kitchen, storage areas and staff accommodation.

The scheme would also include alterations to the building’s upper levels, plant screening, parking and servicing arrangements.

New Belfast hotel entrance proposed on Alfred Street

A new hotel entrance is planned on Alfred Street, providing a dedicated arrival point for guests.

The proposals are intended to improve access throughout the building, including for visitors with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

The building’s central location would place guests within walking distance of Belfast City Hall, the main shopping areas, restaurants and public transport connections.

The plans form part of a wider trend towards converting former commercial buildings into visitor accommodation in Belfast city centre.

Proposed development could support city centre regeneration

The applicants have presented the proposed conversion as an opportunity to bring an underused city centre building back into productive use.

They say the scheme would provide additional hotel accommodation and hospitality facilities while improving the building’s accessibility and functionality.

The development would also increase the number of hotel rooms available in central Belfast, although the project has yet to receive planning permission.

No confirmed construction timetable or opening date has been established.

Belfast hotel development and city centre regeneration

The proposed Belfast hotel would add to the range of accommodation available to visitors staying in the city centre, particularly those travelling for business, leisure and major events.

Its location on Adelaide Street would place guests close to Belfast City Hall, the Linen Quarter and the city’s principal shopping and hospitality areas.

The redevelopment would also represent a change of use for an existing commercial property rather than the construction of an entirely new building.

Converting vacant office accommodation into a hotel could help bring additional activity to the surrounding streets, particularly during evenings and weekends.

However, the development remains at the planning stage, and any potential economic benefits would depend on the project receiving approval and proceeding to construction.

The Belfast hotel proposal will be considered through the normal planning process, including an assessment of the proposed alterations, accessibility, servicing arrangements and potential impacts on the surrounding area.

Belfast hotel planning application awaiting decision

The full planning application was submitted to Belfast City Council in September 2026 under reference LA04/2026/1670/F.

A related conservation area consent application, LA04/2026/1674/DCA, has also been submitted.

Both applications remain under consideration.

Members of the public can examine the proposals and submit representations through the Northern Ireland Planning Portal.

The outcome will depend on the council’s assessment of the applications and any relevant planning considerations.

Details (reference LA04/2026/1670/F): Belfast City Council — Current Planning Applications

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