Northern Ireland’s popular Titanic Belfast attraction has submitted plans to expand its facility, with the operator casting its eye towards the hospitality side of its business.

The plans, submitted to Belfast City Council propose the extension, integration and alteration of titanic pavilions, with a single storey extension of pavilions three and four. The plans also include a change of use, from retail to additional conferencing facilities, as well as a new entrance and external events area. The buildings, currently separate, would be extended and connected to each other.

“At Titanic Belfast, we do not rest on our laurels and are continuously looking at ways to enhance our five-star facilities for the thousands of local, national and international tourists we welcome on an annual basis,” said a spokesperson, speaking to Attractions Management.

“As the business continues to go from strength to strength, there is a need to continually develop our offering. Titanic Belfast is currently looking at extending its hospitality provision within its operating site. We look forward to revealing this development in due course, subject to planning permission.”

Titanic Belfast sits within the city’s Titanic Quarter, a mixed-use waterside development which also includes the Odyssey Pavilion. Titanic Island Ltd, the company carrying out the development on site, is currently seeking developers to build a 244-bedroom hotel. Plans are also underway to construct a £26.5m (US$34m, €30m) office development for up to 1,500 people.