Construction work has begun to convert the former Beaufort House office building on Wellington Place in Belfast city centre into a £20m aparthotel. The project will create Staycity Group's first property in Northern Ireland, with 98 keys across nine storeys.

Lotus Property leads the development, which includes studio and one-bedroom apartments plus a gym, reception, bar, restaurant and retail space. The site is due to open in May 2027.

Killowen Contracts handles the construction. Danske Bank provided funding to Lotus Property for the work.

Alastair Coulson, Managing Director at Lotus Property, expressed delight at starting the city centre project, noting confidence in Belfast's growth and the partnership with Staycity for a new brand concept.

Andrew Folwer, UK Development Director at Staycity Group, described the site work as a milestone for entering Northern Ireland and launching a new brand amid Belfast's thriving visitor economy.

Paul Herbison, Corporate Manager at Danske Bank, stated the funding supports momentum in Belfast's commercial and visitor sectors, with benefits for local construction, tourism and hospitality jobs.

Brian McGovern at Killowen Contracts called it a fantastic start to the landmark project and anticipates close collaboration to deliver the aparthotel by 2027.