The National Building was designed in a “Franco-Slemish Renaissance” style by local architect William Batt and was completed in 1897. Thankfully the building managed to survive the Blitz which devastated much of High Street during the Second World War.

In late 2007 / early 2008 the listed bank building was purchased by Bill Wolsey of Beannchor (developer of the Merchant Hotel) with a view to transforming it into a boutique hotel. Consarc Design will undertake the task of designing the new hotel and planning restoration work. The ground floor façade that was remodelled in the 1980’s will also be restored to its original design as part of the development.

As the National Building Hotel and Merchant Hotel are located on either side of Skipper Street there are plans for the developer to adopt the street from DRD Roads Service and pedestrianise it. In June 2008 Mr Wolsey told local media that he would provide £100,000 for lighting and street sculpture to improve Skipper Street if it was adopted.


March 2009 Planning Applications -
Z/2008/1805/F
New hotel development comprising refurbishment of existing listed office building and construction of new bedroom wing to rear of site including basement. (Amended Plans).
1806/LB
Demolition of existing block to rear of site. Construction of new bedroom wing to rear of site. Remaining listed building to be restored for use within luxury hotel development. (Amended Plans)



A previous proposal for the site (planning ref: Z/2005/2124/F - permitted in Aug 2006) was involved Box Architects refurbishing the National Building and designing an eight storey building to the rear on behalf of Blok Developments.

62 - 68 High Street, Belfast

Estimated in 2008 to be complete in 2010.