Overview

A new luxury hotel is proposed for 96-108 Ann Street in Belfast, currently the site of The Tipsy Bird Bar & Garden and the vacant Jamison & Green Building (also known as the Prince's Buildings). This development aims to blend historical structures with modern amenities.

Historical Background

The Tipsy Bird Bar & Courtyard

The Tipsy Bird Bar, located at 96-100 Ann Street, consists of two amalgamated buildings. Nos. 96-98 date back to around 1880, while No. 100 dates to approximately 1935. The bar also includes a courtyard that was formerly the service yard for Jamison & Green Ltd.

Jamison & Green Building

Located at 102-108 Ann Street, the Jamison & Green Building is a former red brick warehouse built around 1910. The building, designated as Grade B2, includes a basement, ground floor, mezzanine, and four upper floors, occupying a 0.27-acre site with a rear yard accessed via Princes Street. Jamison & Green Ltd went into administration in July 2015, and the building has remained vacant since then.

Previous Use and Ownership

Mono Nightclub

From 2004 to 2015, 96-100 Ann Street housed Mono Nightclub, owned by Gerald Anthony McCann and Gerald Robert McCann. In November 2005, a planning application (Z/2005/2508/F) for alterations to the front elevations related to Mono Nightclub was submitted and approved in February 2006. In February 2011, the nightclub was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act but continued to operate.

Transition to The Tipsy Bird

In 2016, W & R Holdings Ltd acquired 96-100 Ann Street and the adjacent Jamison & Green Building. The Tipsy Bird bar opened at 96-100 Ann Street in March 2017, taking over the site previously occupied by Mono Nightclub.

Recent Planning Applications

• August 2017: W & R Holdings Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2017/1986/F) for alterations including a new roof terrace. This was approved in April 2018.

• May 2018: A further application (LA04/2018/1359/F) for beer gardens and bar areas received approval in January 2019.

In February 2019, Glendola Leisure and Carlton Hotel Collection acquired 96-108 Ann Street with intentions of developing a mixed use scheme comprising hotel, retail and leisure uses.

In August 2020, Glendola Leisure (Holdings) Ltd submitted a planning application (LA04/2020/1623/F) proposing change of use from rear service yard to beer garden associated with the Tipsy Bird Public House, including outside bar area and all associated works. This application was approved in May 2021.

Proposed Hotel Development

Project Details

In June 2024, Glendola Leisure Group and Carlton Hotel Collection announced a proposal for a £50 million luxury hotel development at the site. The project includes:

• 145 Rooms

• Champagne Bar with panoramic views of Belfast

• Rooftop Terrace with event space

• Gym and Spa

• Jamison & Green Pub

• Fine Dining Restaurant

The development aims to create 120-150 jobs and will be the first on the island of Ireland to join the Design Hotels group.

In July 2024, Glendola Leisure (Holdings) Ltd submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) (LA04/2024/1174/PAN) proposing the development of a hotel with a basement, rooftop restaurant/bar, and viewing platform. It also involves refurbishing and extending 6-7 Donegall Quay to create two hotel apartments, demolishing 44 Princes Street, and partially demolishing and extending 90-108 Ann Street for additional hotel rooms and hospitality spaces. A new pedestrian connection and courtyard will link Ann Street to Donegall Quay, along with other associated site and access works. The hotel development will be known as 'Carlton Hotel'.