A £2.5 million restoration project, that created 50+ jobs during its construction phase, has transformed one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings into a new luxury accommodation offering for the city.
Now fully completed, The Regency, an 8,000 sq. ft hospitality venture, located in South Belfast’s Upper Crescent, comprises of six bespoke one-bedroom and two-bedroom luxury private residences, complete with one communal garden and two private courtyards.
Formerly known as Regency House and originally built in 1846, the private residences will be available to book for short-stay visitors from early 2022.
Aurient Ltd, an investment house run by entrepreneurs Anthony Kieran and Cecil Hetherington, is behind the passion project. The business partners recruited the expertise and knowledge of some of Northern Ireland’s most talented craftspeople, including architect Gerry Rogers, builder Noel Savage and interior designer Orla Higgins. Each residence has been finished to an exceptional standard, featuring premium interiors, furniture and antiques from local companies such as Herbert Gould, Alwood Kitchens, Soaks, David Scott and Wilson’s Yard.
This is the first of a series of restoration developments to be undertaken by Aurient Ltd. As part of a five-year commitment plan to regenerate the Crescent area and respond to the growing demand for premium accommodation, the business partners, who are best-known for leading digital platform, UsedCarsNI.com, recently purchased 14 and 15 Upper Crescent, two doors down from The Regency. Construction is expected to begin next year to transform the terrace buildings into a similar offering and standard.
Additionally, Aurient Ltd also purchased 14 Lower Crescent, located off Botanic Avenue earlier this year. The plan will be to create a mixed-use space, with the Used Cars NI office on the lower floors and two apartments on the top floor. These apartments will be designed for young professionals, mature students, doctors and nurses, who are seeking long-term rental options.
Commenting on the completion of The Regency, Anthony Kieran, director of Aurient Ltd, said:
“Restoring what was formerly Regency House, and transforming it into The Regency, has been a complete and utter passion project. The tireless work and commitment that’s gone into the project, by everyone involved – from the team at Aurient, to our construction team and suppliers – has been outstanding, and to see these magnificent grand terraces stand tall once again, is a very special moment for all of us.
“Now that The Regency has been restored to its former glory, we are looking forward to sharing these buildings with visitors from all over the world. There’s been an increasing demand – thanks to shows likes Bridgerton, for people seeking to experience stays in traditional Georgian buildings of a bygone time, and as we reopen the doors to The Regency, there’ll now be the opportunity to experience that in Belfast.”
Speaking of Aurient’s future plans for the Crescent, Mr Kieran added:
“Our work at the Crescent has only begun. For many years, the area was left untouched and unloved. We are determined to breathe life into the wider Crescent area and make it a beautiful space in Belfast that both residents and locals will enjoy and be proud of.
“In addition to purchasing 14 Lower Crescent and 14 and 15 Upper Crescent, both of which construction work will commence next year, our team has also been involved in a community relations group with local Council representatives and MLAs to discuss how, collaboratively, we can further rejuvenate the local area and surrounding green space. We’ve made great progress to date and are confident that the Crescent will be firmly on the map as one of Belfast’s most desirable – and best-connected addresses.”
The Regency will be available to book (three-night minimum stay) from early 2022. For more information, please visit www.theregencybelfast.com. Connect with The Regency on Instagram @RestoringRegency.
