Formal plans which could see Killeavy Castle Hotel almost double in size thanks to a multi-million pound investment have now been lodged with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The proposals would see a new stand-alone building constructed 130 metres south of the existing award-winning hotel.
The new facility would add an additional 40 bedrooms to the estate, which sits on the Ballintemple Road.
There would also be a separate function room, along with associated works.
Parking would increase from the current 166 spaces available to 262.
Planning approval was granted for the present Killeavy Castle Hotel back in 2015 with work starting in 2017 and opening to the public two years later.
The existing hotel consists of 45 bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar, conference rooms, a luxury spa, pavilion area, restored castle, farm store, associated facilities and car parking.
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A design and access statement explains the rationale and need for this latest addition: “Occupancy rates at the hotel are consistently high, with the property frequently operating at full capacity. The management has recognised an opportunity for growth.
“The hotel currently has a number of small conference rooms and one pavilion, which is primarily used for weddings. When a wedding is taking place, the hotel is unable to host smaller events such as birthday or anniversary celebrations at the same time. Adding another function space would resolve this limitation.
“An increase in size of the hotel and the provision of additional bedrooms and facilities will require additional staff and therefore generate further employment to the local area.
“The proposal aims to address the issues outlined by enhancing the existing hotel facilities and offering a broader range of amenities for guests.”
The site will “continue to operate as a luxury hotel”, while this fresh proposal involves the construction of a “new, stand-alone building”, given that there are “no suitable areas for extending the current structure”.
The design statement adds: “The new development will comprise 40 en suite bedrooms, including six rooms designed for disabled access. It will also feature a function area with a bar and storage, a lounge/breakfast area, a patio area, new kitchen and office facilities.
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“The building will be located in a field adjacent to the existing hotel, identified as the most appropriate site for the expansion.
“The layout of the new building has been carefully planned. The function room and lounge/breakfast area are positioned adjacent to the existing and proposed parking areas and directly opposite the hotel’s main reception entrance. Office space and the lift/stair core are located next to the lounge/breakfast area, with bedroom accommodation situated nearby.
“The location of the function space ensures convenient access for guests attending events or staying overnight.
“Additionally, the arrangement of the building provides a substantial buffer to neighbouring properties, helping to minimise any potential noise impact.
“The function area will be storey and a half, while the bedroom accommodation will be two-storey. This design approach ensures the new building remains subservient to the existing hotel structure and reduces its overall visual impact.
“The proposed external finishes will complement those of the existing hotel, incorporating natural stone and timber to enhance integration with the surroundings.”
The proposed new build is constructed across three sections – a single storey element where function area and lounge are, one two storey section containing reception, office and lifts and bedroom accommodation and a third section containing bedroom accommodation.
The three sections are ‘stepped down’ to follow the topography of the site.
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The total floorspace across all levels of the new development would be in excess of 27,000 sq ft.
The design statement continues: “The focal point of the hotel estate will still be the existing hotel. The proposal will not overpower or dominate the existing hotel building.
“The finishes to the proposal will match the finishes to the existing hotel.”
There will be “no requirement” for additional access to the estate, with the current entrance in place to be used.
The new development has also mbeen designed to “include accommodation that will meet the needs of people with impaired mobility”.
Additional supporting information says the increase accommodation is situated within the established grounds of Killeavy Castle Estate and “does not extend further into the open countryside”.
It adds: “It has been carefully positioned in a landscaped area of the estate surrounded by mature vegetation. As a result, the proposal will integrate seamlessly with its setting and will not have any adverse impact on the surrounding tourism asset.”
The full application, by Jaramas Investments Ltd, will now be advertised shortly.
