The investment firm behind five-star Regency House has completed the third phase of a multi-million pound project to restore the listed south Belfast townhouses into boutique short-stay accommodation.
Aurient’s four-year £7 million regeneration scheme in Upper Crescent, has created 40 new hospitality jobs next to Queen’s University.
Since opening in 2022, the luxury one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites have hosted some of the city’s most high profile visitors.
The latest phase involved the restoration of two additional grade two listed Georgian terrace buildings at 14 and 15 Upper Crescent.
The additional 7,275 sq ft includes a newly opened ground floor restaurant, serving breakfast for guests.
The first floor is home to The Drawing Room bar and lounge, offering an all-day dining menu for guests.
A new fitness and wellness suite has also been developed, offering a boutique gym, complete with premium equipment, hot tub, sauna and a cold plunge pool.
Aurient was originally launched by Cecil Hetherington and Anthony Kieran, the entrepreneurs behind Used Cars NI.
The vehicle classifieds site was sold last month to Distilled Limited, the Dublin-based owner of Daft and DoneDeal, in a deal that included Belfast home classifieds site PropertyPal.
Cecil Hetherington had acquired an interest in PropertyPal last year, overseeing a merger with Propertynews.
According to Companies House, Mr Hetherington stepped back from Aurient last month, resigning as director on July 30, with Anthony Kieran now listed as its controlling shareholder of its ultimate parent undertaking Aurient Holdings.
Mr Kieran announced his departure from Used Cars NI three weeks ago, confirming his plans to focus on Regency House.
Meanwhile, Katie Jackson, director of finance and operations at Regency House, has described the completion of the third phase as a major milestone.
“From the very start, we had an ambitious vision to not only restore these historic properties but also to rejuvenate this area of the city, which, despite its rich history, had fallen into disrepair,” she said.
“Through the endless support and tireless work of the entire project team, we are so proud to have achieved what we set out to do back in 2020, and as a result, create a truly unique five-star experience in the heart of Belfast.
“We are excited to continue this journey and see what is next in store for Regency House.”
Nicholas Forsythe, who relocated from South Africa to become the new general manager of Regency House earlier this year, said: “With the ever-evolving landscape of luxury travel and accommodation, we are excited to debut this next phase of development and showcase our expansive restorations and enhanced facilities.
“I firmly believe that Regency House will provide guests with an unrivalled experience, affirming it as one of the most luxurious places to stay in the city and a perfect place to create unforgettable memories.”
