Extension plan for new £400,000 Carrick guest accommodation

A planning application has been submitted to further extend new guest accommodation in Carrick following a £400,000 investment.
Jack Creighton, owner, Walter's Place, Gemma Jordan, senior relationship manager, Commercial Banking NI and Girvan Gault,  commercial banking director at Ulster Bank.Jack Creighton, owner, Walter's Place, Gemma Jordan, senior relationship manager, Commercial Banking NI and Girvan Gault,  commercial banking director at Ulster Bank.
Jack Creighton, owner, Walter's Place, Gemma Jordan, senior relationship manager, Commercial Banking NI and Girvan Gault, commercial banking director at Ulster Bank.

Walter’s Place opened at Joymount in the town centre in June providing seven double ensuite rooms.

The five-star accommodation has enjoyed occupancy rates between 70 and 80 per cent during the summer.

Owner Jack Creighton said: “The reception to the opening in June was overwhelmingly positive and we’re still recording occupancy rates similar to those over the busy summer period.

“We’re hoping to add a further four rooms to cater for families. These will be self-catering and pet-friendly spaces for groups looking to stay a little bit longer.

In 2013, Mr. Creighton, who also owns neighbouring bar, Ownies, purchased the formerly “dilapidated” property to extend the award-winning bar’s kitchen.

He added: “After we extended the kitchen of Ownie’s bar into the site, we were left with a large piece of undeveloped real estate, so we were keen to identify a practical and profitable use for it.

“We’ve been providing a comfortable space to dine and drink at Ownie’s bar for the past 17 years, so the development of guest accommodation to extend our reach was a natural progression.”

“It was important to create something different too. Options in the area for high-end accommodation are limited, so we were determined Walter’s Place would be memorable and this is reflected in its design.

“We’re providing all the charm expected from a high-end boutique hotel at a competitive price point to guests looking that bit of added luxury from an out-of-city venue.”

Gemma Jordan, senior relationship manager, commercial banking NI at Ulster Bank, said: “Ulster Bank is thrilled to have supported the development of Walter’s Place. It has raised the bar for luxury accommodation in the Carrick area and is on a par with what a guest would expect to see from five-star accommodation in any major city.

“Its location on one of the main arterial routes in and out of Belfast city is a positive selling point and since opening has proved an instant hit with tourists looking for a memorable and luxury stay, but most importantly, one that is also affordable.”

Girvan Gault, commercial banking director at Ulster Bank, added: “Walter’s Place is a visually stunning new tourism asset for the Carrick area, and Ulster Bank is pleased to have supported the development.

“We are committed to supporting SMEs and well-run local businesses to continue to grow and nurture new commercial opportunities. The venue is already proving a resounding success, attracting a steady stream of international bookings.”