The new-look plans for the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast

Fresh plans for Northern Ireland's largest hotel have been revealed.

Hastings Group is now planning to turn the former Windsor House building on Bedford Street in Belfast into a 304-bedroom hotel, called the Grand Central.

The hotel was initially scheduled to have just 200 rooms.

The £30m four-star complex will transform 23-storey Windsor House in the city centre.

It represents the single biggest investment by family-run Hastings Hotels throughout the company's history.

The initial grand design was first revealed in 2015. New plans say the larger hotel's design is "more restrained" and has a "contemporary facade".

The scheme could include 304 bedrooms, office accommodation, ground floor retail and bar spaces and restaurants at the ground, first and 22nd floors.

Planning documents say that "the current proposals are seen as an evolution of this previous concept, better adapting the development to the Hastings Hotels, long-term business development and investment strategy".

In the statement, it says that "following further analysis of the local leisure, hospitality and commercial property market, and re-evaluation of the company's investment and business strategy, it was decided to concentrate on providing a full-service four-star hotel, providing 304 bedrooms, and enhanced public spaces".

It's claimed the development will create 150 jobs and 120 during the construction. It's one of several major hotels under way in Belfast.

Belfast Telegraph