Historic Titanic offices 'to become hotel'

5 March 2009 -

Offices in Belfast where plans for the Titanic were drawn up may be turned into a luxury hotel.

The Belfast Telegraph reported that applications have been lodged with the planning service to turn the drawing rooms - where Lord Pirrie, Thomas Andrews and Alexander Carlisle once developed plans for the ship - into a hotel with function rooms and pavilions for ancillary uses including a bar.

A spokesperson for the Titanic Quarter project commented: "One future option could be to make it available for use as a boutique hotel which would be a major draw for local and overseas visitors, yet also give the public the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the rooms where the Titanic was conceived and designed."

He added that the listed building is a unique reminder of Belfast's past and Titanic Quarter is working closely with the environment and heritage department to ensure that it is returned to its former glory.

Last week, it was announced that the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast, located on Great Victoria Street in the heart of the city, will open to coincide with the Belfast Film Festival, which takes place from March 26th to April 4th.