The former Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices building lay vacant for decades, as it was too expensive to repair and finding a sustainable use for such a large building was challenging.  

But thanks to £5million of National Lottery players’ money, the historic building has been transformed into a four-star boutique hotel, creating jobs and boosting Northern Ireland’s tourism economy. 

Situated on Queen’s Island in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, the hotel boasts unrivalled links to what was the world’s largest shipyard. It was here that Belfast workers designed and built over 1000 ships, including the White Star Olympic Class Liners – Olympic, Titanic and Britannic - and warships such as HMS Belfast.

From noon on Sunday 10 September members of the public will have access to some of the key heritage rooms including the Drawing Offices and Board Room. Guided tours will be available and a six-week free exhibition will help visitors learn more about the building’s history and restoration.

"Thanks to National Lottery players this historic building has been restored to its former glory..."

Anna Carragher, Chair of HLF Northern Ireland

The project received funding through HLF’s Heritage Enterprise programme, which is designed to help communities bring heritage buildings back to life as thriving business enterprises. Not-for-profit organisations and private partners work together to transform these buildings, generating economic growth and creating jobs and opportunities in those places that need it the most. 

Northern Ireland is leading the way with three projects benefiting from this innovative programme so far– Titanic Hotel Belfast; Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry~Londonderry and Templemore Baths in East Belfast, where plans are being developed to revitalise the Victorian baths as a leisure and fitness facility for Belfast. 

Welcoming the official opening of Titanic Hotel Belfast, Anna Carragher, chair of HLF Northern Ireland Committee, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players this historic building has been restored to its former glory, with the key heritage rooms and unique links to the past retained and opened up for people to access to enjoy. 

"It is this authenticity that makes this place so special, and will undoubtedly contribute much to its future success.”