Belfast newest city centre hotel is set to open in March, it was announced today.

The £27m Fitzwilliam Hotel is located at the corner of Great Victoria Street and Grosvenor Road, beside the Grand Opera House.

The five-star 130-bedroom hotel which will provide employment for 110 people, is owned by Belfast businesswoman June Burgess through her company Graffan Properties.

Hotel Partners, which will operate the hotel, and whose network already includes the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, said that the Belfast project was progressing well.

Designer Christopher Ash, who is overseeing the interior fit-out, said: “The look of the hotel plays on and develops the themes originated for the original Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin.”

A key feature will be a penthouse which will overlook the city centre, and there will also be a private dining room.

Hotel Partners also announced the appointment of Vincent O’Gorman as general manager of the Belfast hotel.