Construction BUSINESS

The location for paramilitary trials during the Troubles, the Crumlin Road Courthouse in Belfast is to be transformed into a luxury hotel. Liverpool-based hotelier and developer Lawrence Kenwright said he has acquired the derelict courthouse and intends to spend £25 million (€28.5 million) restoring the listed building.

Details of the plans were announced at the Belfast stand of the MIPIM property investment conference in Cannes. “The Crumlin Road Courthouse is the latest in a series of landmark heritage buildings to be lovingly restored by Signature Living,” he said, “including 30 James Street – the former headquarters of the White Star Line in Liverpool – and Cardiff’s historical Coal Exchange building. We see ourselves simply as custodians of these important buildings, and the courthouse will very much still belong to the people of Belfast.

“For us, this is an investment in the local Belfast community and, as well as committing around £25 million to the restoration project, we will be investing in a series of community initiatives, including the launch of a special apprenticeship academy, in the coming months.”

Last month Mr Kenwright also outlined ambitions to develop a George Best-themed hotel in Belfast and added that he may develop up to four hotels in the city, creating up to 500 jobs.