Plans to build 30-million pound hotel overlooking Royal Portrush Golf Club

By Michael McHugh

US developers want to build a new £30 million hotel on the North Coast.

The 120-bedroom resort would occupy a site overlooking Royal Portrush Golf Club in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Those behind the proposal from Causeway Coast Developments Ltd hope it will be ready by the time The Open golf championship returns to the course in 2019.

Architect Richard Hunter said: "This project has unbelievable potential to capture and retain high-spending visitors to Royal Portrush and the other links courses on the North Coast."

The development could mean more than 250 tourism and hospitality jobs, according to the company behind it.

A planning application is due to be lodged at the beginning of September.

The site covers 10 acres and looks out across the golf course towards the Giants Causeway.

The parent company for the venture, ARC, is based in Texas and is led by Gavin Boyd, a businessman originally from Kilrea in Co Londonderry, and his wife Minka.

Mr Hunter said: "We have been greatly heartened by the positive response so far from the various agencies and obviously we are keen to deal with the planning process as quickly as possible before moving to the next stage."

He added: "Tourism is the main industry on the North Coast and I believe it is absolutely vital and essential that it continues to develop and improve with top quality hotel accommodation, especially with so many visitors coming here from all over the world."

A community consultation will seek local views at a public information session in Portrush early next month where the project's plans will be displayed.