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A prominent Belfast building is set to open as a hotel following a multi-million-pound private investment into the city centre’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The Bedford Hotel is now open for bookings from May 2026, and has created more than 100 jobs in management, culinary and operational roles.
It comes as the Grade B1 listed Scottish Mutual Building was converted into the 82-bedroom Bedford Hotel. The redevelopment of the Scottish Baronial-style property took 18 months to complete.
Executive head chef Noel McMeel will lead the hotel restaurant and café bar following its opening. McMeel previously worked at Lough Erne Resort and cooked for world leaders at the G8 Summit.
Ciaran O’Neill, managing director of The Bedford Hotel, said: “Opening The Bedford is a clear statement of confidence in Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland economy. Delivering a project of this scale in the current climate demonstrates both the resilience of the hospitality sector and the opportunity that continues to exist here for high-quality investment.
“This is not simply about launching a hotel – it is about creating sustainable employment, supporting local supply chains and contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.”
Mike Gatt, general manager at The Bedford Hotel, added: “Hospitality plays a vital role in Northern Ireland’s visitor economy and in supporting wider economic growth. The Bedford has been developed with a long-term vision – to deliver premium service standards while building a strong local team and supply network.
“We believe this investment will make a meaningful contribution to the continued regeneration of Belfast city centre.”
Belfast One BID CEO, Martina Connolly, concluded: “This is a significant investment in Belfast city centre’s tourism and hospitality sector, bringing new jobs and helping to further position the city as a destination for travel, retail, leisure and culture. It is particularly pleasing to see one of Belfast’s most treasured listed buildings being brought back to life.
“Belfast has been recognised by TripAdvisor as a trending city for 2026, and this investment underlines the confidence being shown in the city. Belfast city centre continues to be a major draw for visitors, and Belfast One BID remains committed to supporting and boosting its economy by animating the city, and keeping it clean, safe and welcoming so that investors and visitors continue to choose Belfast.”
