In September 2018 An Bord Pleanála approved planning permission for the development of a strategic housing development at the site of the existing Westwood Hotel in Galway City.

The proposed development will consist of demolition of the existing Westwood Hotel and redevelopment of the site for a 12,112sqm student accommodation scheme of 63 apartments with 394 bedrooms, together with all ancillary facilities, arranged in 5 no. blocks which vary in height from 3 to 5 storeys. A café/restaurant space is provided on the ground floor of Block A. 24 no. car parking spaces are provided along with 140 no. cycle parking spaces in 11 no. sheltered racks. The complex will be used as visitor / tourist accommodation on a temporary basis outside of academic term times.

The development provides for the creation of a high quality, professionally managed student accommodation and ancillary accommodation to serve the existing and future needs of the City’s university population. The development has been designed to ensure the protection of the residential amenity of adjoining and adjacent residential properties.