Developer delighted at hotel support
Thursday, 2 October 2008
An artist’s impression of the redeveloped Marine Hotel in Ballycastle.
The developer behind Ballycastle's Marine Hotel investment project has said he is delighted at the level of support he has received.
Mervyn McAlister, of McAlister Holdings, was speaking after a meeting of Moyle District Council last week, where the development proposals were presented to councillors.
The plans were met with cross-party support, and if they are given the go-ahead, the project will represent a £30m investment in the seafront hotel.
Mr McAlister told The Chronicle that support for the new facility from the whole community is crucial.
“We are delighted that Moyle councillors have given their unanimous support for our redevelopment proposals. Councillors have agreed to write to Planning Service on our behalf voicing their support for the scheme which will benefit the entire community of Ballycastle and the North Antrim Coast area.
“General expressions of support were conveyed by councillors and the public when the proposals for the significant high quality 200 bed hotel, spa and leisure facilities, restaurant, plus conference and wedding provision were announced during an open forum in July this year.
“Councillors believe that our proposals represent a unique opportunity to create a significant tourist facility which will not only be a landmark in Ballycastle but will become a premier destination resort hotel in Ireland.
“With this in mind, we hope that Planning Service will pass our application as expediently as possible to enable us to deliver this facility to the North Antrim area.
This facility will be a huge generator of tourism and indeed tourist revenue to the local economy.
The project will have a significant impact on employment opportunities in the town.
“The proposed new five star facility represents probably the largest investment in the Moyle area to date and is expected to generate approximately 125 construction jobs during building and 225 full and part-time hotel jobs when the hotel is fully operational.
“The existing hotel currently employs 50 staff so the newly created hotel will provide a significant increase in employment opportunities," said Mr McAlister.
