GRAHAM and Mooney Hotel Group bring forward 561-bed student living scheme in Queen’s University Belfast quarter

GRAHAM Investment Projects and the Mooney Hotel Group have unveiled plans to redevelop the former Wellington Park Hotel site in South Belfast into a major purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme delivering around 561 student homes.

The proposed development sits within the heart of the Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) quarter and aims to create “campus-style living” within walking distance of lectures, facilities and key university buildings.

The scheme will include a mix of internal and external amenity space alongside landscaped courtyard gardens designed to support student wellbeing and community living.

As part of the wider plans, the long-established Botanic Inn (“The Bot”) will be retained and reimagined, with proposals indicating a modernised leisure and social space integrated into the new development.

Developers say the project responds to a structural undersupply of student accommodation in Belfast, where demand continues to outpace provision and a significant shortfall of beds is forecast by 2030.

Much of the city’s existing PBSA stock is concentrated in the city centre, with this scheme aiming to bring accommodation directly into the university core, reducing travel distances and increasing convenience for students.

GRAHAM Investment Projects Managing Director John McDonald said the scheme would deliver “game-changing campus living” for QUB students, highlighting its focus on convenience, safety and quality management.

He added that proposed operator involvement from Homes for Students would strengthen service standards and on-site management, supporting both resident experience and community relations.

The design has been developed with sensitivity to the Malone Conservation Area, with acoustic and environmental considerations incorporated to minimise impact on surrounding residents.

The development also has wider housing implications, with estimates suggesting it could reduce pressure on the local private rental market by freeing up existing homes as student demand is rebalanced.

Mooney Hotel Group described the scheme as the “natural evolution” of the Wellington Park site, reflecting changing patterns in hospitality and city-centre activity, while retaining its legacy through a new long-term use.

If approved, the project will mark a significant transformation of one of South Belfast’s most recognisable sites, shifting its role from hospitality landmark to purpose-built student living destination.