Crumlin Road Courthouse was sold to developer Signature Living who expects to dedicate a £25 million investment to turn the derelict building into a luxury hotel.
It has been reported that the courthouse, built in 1850 and designed by Charles Lanyon, was sold for £500,000 and that the deal was agreed in Liverpool recently.
Lawrence Kenwright, Signature Living chairman, said “The courthouse is currently in a state of disrepair and our focus will be on sympathetically restoring the building to its former glory in a way that is both true to its architectural heritage and aligns with the exciting style for which Signature Living is reputed.
The hotel is expected to be the first of five planned by the developer in Belfast, to be built over the next three years.
“For us, this is an investment in the local Belfast community and, as well committing around £25m 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”, added Kenwright.
The courthouse was the setting of the Shankill Butchers’ trial and other horrific cases. It was closed in 1998 and has suffered major damage.
More information signatureliving.co.uk