Forster Court seeks to extend facilities into former tourist office

Plans have been drawn up to expand the Forster Court Hotel into the adjoining former tourist office building – to help strengthen the business’ economic viability.

It will see new conference facilities added, as well as new bedrooms.

The Connacht Hospitality Group – which operates the hotel – has sought permission to amalgamate the building with the former tourist office.

The changes will involve the creation of an enlarged restaurant bar area and a new conference centre reception. On the first floor will be 11 new suites (one of which will replace an existing room).

Both buildings are owned by the Comer Group and leased to Connacht Hospitality.

The 50-bed hotel opened in 2000, but closed down in 2015 and remained vacant for two years following a flood.

According to a planning application lodged with Galway City Council: “The proposed development and amalgamation of the two buildings will bring back into use and existing vacant city centre building, on a key city centre site, which would otherwise be at risk of long-term vacancy and potentially fall into disrepair as a result of disuse.”

A new reception area at the ground floor of the tourist office will include stairs and lift to the new basement conference centre.

“The proposed redevelopment of the hotel to include conference facilities will support the economic viability of the hotel and diversify its market given competition from Airbnb etc.

“The hotel industry has been particularly hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Providing additional accommodation and new facilities will help to future proof the business in these difficult economic times, and as a driver of pedestrian activity to the area, will strengthen the city centre core as a focus for economic activity,” the planning application reads.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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