A new £12m hotel opposite Belfast City Hall is to create up to 180 full and part-time jobs.

The former Scottish Mutual building, which is Grade B1 listed, was bought by the Tullymore House hotel group.

It said it had recently acquired the landmark building and had "ambitious plans" to restore it to its former glory.

As part of the upgrade, two bars and two restaurants are planned for the ground and first floor areas, one of which would have a 'Parisian' theme incorporating an outside garden area at street level.

There are also plans for a large seated function room for more than 120 people on the second floor, in addition to a further two smaller function rooms to accommodate either private dining, business events or other functions.

The upper three floors in the 42,000 square foot, five-story building will be upgraded to accommodate up to 40 hotel bedrooms and 10 serviced apartments.

The hotel's main entrance will be situated on Donegall Square South.

Colin Johnston, Project Manager, said: "This truly magnificent, iconic city centre building has all the key ingredients – location, beauty, space and heritage – for a welcome and sympathetic restoration into a luxury, boutique hotel.

"This investment is significant for the city, it's a vote of confidence in the prospects for the economy and it will bring a new, exciting dimension to Belfast's hospitality offering which is backed, supported and driven by successful and experienced hoteliers."

Tullymore House Limited is planning to invest in the region of £12m in the project.

It hopes once plans are approved, work could start as soon as possible, with the aim of completing the redevelopment before the end of 2015.

(JP/CD)