Permission is being sought to develop a new licenced bar area within a prominent and historic Georgian-style Banbridge hotel.
An application was submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the name of Nigel Heslip, pertaining to The Downshire Arms Hotel on Newry Street.
It seeks permission for a change of use to one of the existing store rooms – within a two-storey stone structure – to make way for a new licenced bar area that the applicant argues will facilitate “sustainable tourism development” and contribute to the regional economy.
The hotel is a listed building and an “important structure” within the town of Banbridge. Due to the protected status of the property, an application has also been submitted for Listed Building Consent.
An accompanying design and access statement describes the building as a “family-run 3-star Georgian coaching inn established in 1816” that is “well-regarded locally for its traditional atmosphere, open fires, and its ‘Taste of Ulster’ award-winning dining”.
As a hotel, it’s primary function is to provide accommodation to travellers and visitors and, as such, the building plays an essential role in the advancement of tourism in the borough.
Further to this, the statement adds: “The hotel and indeed the town of Banbridge owe much of their history and success to travel and tourism formerly of a local nature, being a refuge for weary travellers and their horses travelling between Dublin and Belfast, and latterly to the many international tourists who frequent to visit the historic town and many visitor attractions including the ‘Game of Thrones Studio Tour’.”
Regarding the hotel as a “hub for nightlife” the statement explains it can attract up to 700 people at weekends, making a “major contribution” to the local economy.
If approved, the new bar area would be designed with the current “simplicity and complementary minimalism” to remain in keeping with the existing features of the property.
The new bar would be developed within a stone store room that sits adjacent to an existing beer garden.
Access would remain unchanged and internally a new dispensing bar would be installed along with a small stage area.
The application does not seek to make major alterations to the structure of the building and the square footage of the floorspace will remain unchanged.
Notice of the application will be advertised in due course.
