Published Wednesday, 25 January 2012
The 100 bedroom hotel will be constructed on the Hillsborough Road in the south of Lisburn, and will also contain a health suite and function rooms.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: "This is great news for Lisburn given the economic and social benefits it will bring to the city, including up to 200 new jobs.
"It will enhance the range of tourist accommodation in the area and boost visitor numbers to the benefit of local shops, restaurants and businesses.
"What I and DOE are about is creating a better, place to live, work and invest and this will certainly contribute to that."
The development will also provide new and enhanced access arrangements to the River Lagan tow path and a new interpretative centre which will provide information about the Lagan Valley Regional Park.
The hotel is expected to meet one of the objectives in the Programme for Government which is to increase visitor numbers and tourist revenue.
SDLP Lisburn Councillor Pat Catney welcomed the announcement, which he said was a "a wonderful boost for Lisburn, a city with a serious shortage of accommodation and a serious lack of jobs".
"This hotel will draw visitors to Lisburn, will stimulate employment in the hospitality and construction sectors and will enhance the tourism potential of the city thereby helping local businesses.
"I commend the Environment Minister on giving this project the go ahead and wish those tasked with bringing it to fruition the very best of luck."