Signature Living to sell two Belfast properties

Signature Living has put two of its Belfast properties on the market including the former Crumlin Road Courthouse and War Memorial building.

Only three days ago Signature Living officially put two of its Liverpool hotels, the Shankly and 30 James Street, on the market at a lower price than previously announced (£51m rather than £57m).

Now the group plans to sell the two Belfast sites it had earmarked for hotel development. Planning permission was granted last year to transform the 19th century former Crumlin Road Courthouse into a 55-bedroom hotel called the Lanyon. The property also has permissions in place for a 142-cover restaurant, 300-capacity function suite, rooftop bar and terrace and swimming pool. It was originally slated to have opened this summer.

Signature Living has also put the 1950s Waring Street War Memorial building up for sale. The property also has planning permission for a 37-bedroom hotel with restaurant, bar and rooftop terrace. The company originally said the hotel was on course to open last year, and then in May announced it was set to open by the end of this year.

The opening of its George Best hotel in Belfast has also been delayed due to "unforeseen building works". Originally planned for a June 2018 opening, employees were offered opportunities at other Signature Living hotels or "compensated accordingly", the group said.

In 2017 founder Lawrence Kenwright said he planned to invest £100m in total into Belfast in the coming years.

The sales will leave Signature Living with three hotels open and operational: the Arthouse and Signature hotels in Liverpool, and the Exchange hotel in Cardiff. The group is also understood to be opening two hotels this year: the Dixie Dean and Cavern Walks in Liverpool.

The first phase of the Dixie Dean, its No 9 bar and restaurant, is already open, and Cavern Walks received planning permission in June.