An iconic listed Belfast property is set to transformed by a County Fermanagh businessman.

David Mahon, a property investor, has purchased the historic Crumlin Road Courthouse and has revealed he plans to transform the site into a hotel.

Mr. Mahon shared his plans with the Belfast Telegraph but revealed that while hoping to turn the property into a hotel or apart-hotel, he still plans to keep some of the character.

The property investor who is from Donegal but has lived in Fermanagh for many years, said: “We’re hoping to redevelop it but keeping Courtroom 1 and Courtroom 2. We’d turn it into a hotel or apart-hotel, maybe.”

Mr. Mahon did not reveal how much he paid for the iconic building or how much it may cost to transform it and bring it back to life.

The courthouse was designed by architect Sir. Charles Lanyon, who designed the main building at Queen’s University Belfast, which is named in his honour as well as a number of iconic properties including Castle Leslie in County Monaghan.

The Grade B listed building It is designed in the neoclassical style with Corinthian order columns supporting an entablature, on top of the building, Lady Justice rests.

The courthouse was built in 1849 and has been unused since 1999, and has suffered from fire damage since its closure.

Mr. Mahon said: “I think it’s very important to preserve it, and we’ll be doing our best with it.”

A preapplication consultation process with take place before a planning application can be filled.

Mr. Mahon has also received some help from the Department of Communities he said: “’We’re talking to the Department for Communities, to see it developed, and they’re giving us all the help they can.”

The courthouse had previously been owned by Lawrence Kenwright, a developer from Liverpool. Mr. Kenwright’s company went into administration and a number of his properties including the courthouse went on the market.

Planning permission was given to Mr. Kenwright to transform the building into an attractive hotel with 55 ensuite bedrooms, spa facilities, a swimming pool and a rooftop bar.

However, as part of Mr. Mahon’s plans to revitalise the building as a hotel, major works will need to be completed due to fire damage.

The building has great historical significance and was the location for many major trials during The Troubles.

Prisoners moved between the courthouse and underground through a tunnel under the Crumlin Road.

Mr. Mahon is also the owner of a number of properties including the Linen Green shopping complex in Dungannon, which he acquired earlier this year for the sum of £4m.

Mr. Mahon owns a number of properties across Fermanagh including the former Railway Hotel and other sites in Enniskillen.

Other properties in his portfolio include shopping centres across Northern Ireland.

In addition, Mr. Mahon is a prominent figure in the Orange Order and is the serving County Donegal Grand Master.