A County Antrim private estate has invested “six figures” in a redevelopment of the property which will allow it to more than triple the number of weddings it can hold each year and grow its corporate event business.
Hillmount House said the move, supported by funding from Ulster Bank, will see it double turnover in the next year as it increases the number of weddings it is able to hold to 100 from 30 previously. The development of the “multifunctional” space also sees it increase the number of people it can accommodate at a wedding to 200 from 50 previously.
It is also in the process of acquiring an alcohol license for its new cocktail bar and will be looking to build out is presence in the corporate events space to take advantage of the growing demand from businesses.
Events manager Sabrina Jamet-Harper said the refurbishment sets the company up for a positive future.
“Set in the magnificent grounds of Hillmount House, our new wedding and conference centre offers a stunning and spacious setting with an attractive terraced area for guests and delegates to take in the surroundings of the estate,” she said. “Alongside the original property, which offers excellent meeting and breakout facilities for groups of various sizes, Hillmount House is equipped for all types of events, from conferences, corporate events and launch parties to that special day.”
Throughout the pandemic, the intimate Hillmount House was uniquely positioned to continue operating as wedding venue, playing host to memorable receptions and functions for the many smaller gatherings of family and friends less suited to hotels and larger spaces.
Owner Andrew Brennan said this sustained the business during the challenging period and strengthened its reputation as a flexible and highly sought-after venue.
“We initially downscaled our operation, comfortably accommodating bookings of up to 50 guests. These types of bookings were unsuitable for larger spaces and so we picked that business up. It kept us going and positioned us well to bounce back once the events industry reopened.”
He said demand is strong and now is the right time to invest and expand the offering at Hillmount House.
“Throughout that time, we helped many wedding parties create lasting memories and we built a solid reputation for the professional and personal service we pride ourselves on. Word quickly spread and as more and more enquiries started coming we found ourselves turning business away.”
Ulster Bank business development manager Conor McNeill welcomed the investment.
“We’re very pleased to support the team at Hillmount House with the development of its new wedding and conference centre, which adds a premium asset to the hospitality offering in the local market unlike anything currently available,” he said. “Backed up by a dedicated team, we’re confident it will act as a catalyst for growth, generating additional revenue and supporting job creation right down the supply chain as it attracts more business to the area for the benefit of other third-party suppliers and service providers operating in the events sector.”
