Two local institutions are set for a major redevelopment as part of new student accommodation proposals in South Belfast.

GRAHAM Investment Projects and the Mooney Hotel Group are working in partnership to deliver “game-changing” campus living for students at the heart of the Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) quarter.

The plans will transform the former Wellington Park Hotel site into a purpose-built, professionally managed student accommodation development.

The neighbouring Botanic Inn will continue to exist as part of the wider redevelopment – proposals remain conceptual at this stage but ‘The Bot’ is set to be reimagined and modernised with “vibrant amenity and recreation space to reflect changing social habits”.

The scheme will also feature internal and external amenity areas and substantial courtyard gardens for student residents who will live just a short walk from the location of their classes and lectures.

Commenting on the plans, GIP managing director, John McDonald, said: “This site is the perfect location for students of Queen’s University. Our plans will provide game-changing campus living, allowing them to enjoy convenience, comfort and security that will enhance their overall student experience.

“This will be further strengthened through our proposed partnership with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student accommodation provider. The decision to enter the Northern Ireland market for the first time reflects their confidence in both the location and the quality of our proposals.

“Homes for Students’ involvement is a significant advantage for residents, who will benefit from exceptional on-site management and service standards. Importantly, the expectations they place on students have consistently improved student conduct elsewhere. This approach will help to grow positive relationships with neighbouring communities.”

The developers have said that the addition of this purpose-built managed student accommodation in this part of South Belfast will also reduce pressure on the local housing supply, with independent estimates suggesting that the development could free up to 150 homes, housing 360 new residents as a result.

Mr McDonald added: “Primarily the proposed development will offer significant benefits to Queen’s students. But it will also deliver a much wider impact for the local area.

“It will activate and animate the Malone Road through new ground floor retail offerings, for example. On a more strategic level, Belfast is facing a severe housing shortage. This development has the potential to ease pressure on the private rented sector by freeing up existing homes and enabling new residents to be accommodated in South Belfast.”

New lease of life for Wellington Park Hotel

The Wellington Park has been welcoming visitors through its doors since 1955 – the next cohort of visitors will now change from tourists to students.

Felix Mooney, representing the Mooney Hotel Group, which owns both businesses, recognises the legacy and rich history of the Wellington Park Hotel and The Bot. He stressed the changing nature of hospitality in this part of the city as the primary reason to support the redevelopment plans.

He said: “The Wellington Park Hotel and the Botanic Inn are synonymous with Belfast hospitality. We are immensely proud of what the Wellington Park Hotel has achieved over the past 75 years and are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, partners, and the community for their unwavering support.

“As a Group, we believe now is the time to commence the evolution of the site. The hospitality sector has changed, with a greater emphasis on visitors to the city centre.

“However, there is no better location in the city that Wellington Park for Queen’s students in terms of proximity and convenience. And, we are confident that our conceptual plans for the Botanic Inn will not just complement students but will reinvigorate this part of the Malone Road again. We see this as a new chapter for the site and are keen to ensure the local community is part of that evolution.”

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The cruise was unexpectedly cancelled after guests had already boarded due to a mechanical fault

Passengers onboard a major Disney cruise were forced to disembark just 24 hours into their voyage following the discovery of a technical malfunction.

The Disney Adventure sailing, scheduled to depart from Singapore on May 7, was abruptly scrapped after passengers had already embarked, prompting officials to request their disembarkation.

According to a post on Reddit, travellers were initially informed they would be able to “set sail soon”.

The user recounted: “Midnight now. We’ve been waiting here since 2 p.m., and they have no update for us. What’s even worse is they’ve shut down all kitchens, coffee, etc. Why would they do that?”

Those affected received a complete refund, a 50% discount on a subsequent voyage, complimentary overnight accommodation for May 7, reimbursement for hotel and flight modifications, and up to $500 compensation for additional expenses.

A Disney spokesperson informed USA Today: “We completely understand this was an unfortunate situation for our guests and worked with them directly to support their travel needs, help make their trip home as smooth as possible and invite them back to a future sailing.”

Following repairs to address the technical fault, the Adventure cruise successfully embarked on its next scheduled departure on May 11, reports the Express.

The vessel, which represents the biggest addition to Disney Cruise Line’s fleet and marks the company’s inaugural homeporting in Asia, commenced operations this March.

The ship provides three- to four-night voyages showcasing seven distinct themed zones celebrating Disney, Pixar, and Marvel narratives, complete with Broadway-calibre productions and oceanic firework displays. From mid-2026 onwards, a three-night voyage aboard the Disney Adventure departing from Singapore typically costs between $958 and $1,396 for two adults sharing an inside cabin.

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More than 350 communities will host events across the UK to launch A Million Acts of Hope — a week of action to counter hate and division and celebrate hope and unity.

Groups of people all over the UK will be standing together in solidarity against hate this week.

More than 350 communities across the UK are staging hundreds of events this week in a nationwide pushback against rising division, including turning skate parks and shopping centres into “public living rooms.”

From disco dances to plant swaps, arts sessions to shared meals, thousands of people are taking part in A Million Acts of Hope, a week of action running from May 13–20 aimed at celebrating unity and everyday kindness.

The campaign launches as a new survey of 4,144 people, conducted by FocalData between 21 and 24 April 2026, reveals that nearly two thirds (65%) of Brits say their local community is peaceful and friendly — despite headlines often suggesting the country is deeply divided.

READ MORE: My act of hope helping kids is just one of a million. Let’s do this togetherREAD MORE: ‘Hunger doesn’t stop at 11!’ Call for free breakfast for teenagers as UK feels the pinch

In Swindon, more than 25 events are planned across the week. They include fully furnished living rooms set up in outdoor spaces across the town and complete with sofas, coffee tables, plants, and board games.

The pop-up lounges will appear in a skate park, a community garden, a park, and even inside the shopping centre, inviting passers-by to sit down with strangers and share a cup of tea.

Terry Johnson, Inclusion, Collaboration and Community Development Manager for Voluntary Action Swindon, said the idea is simple but powerful.

“Too often we hear that our communities are divided. But that’s not my experience of living and working in Swindon,” he said. “I know there are loads of really good things happening here, despite what we’re being told. That’s why I wanted to get behind this campaign — to show the very real connections and comradery that happen every day.”

He added that anyone can “just turn up” and join in. “Connecting over a cup of tea may seem small but it is a significant and important act of hope,” he said. “I’m looking forward to hearing about all the friendships and support that grow here through the week of action, because I know there is more that unites us than divides us.”

Across the country, other events include intergenerational dance parties, community art sessions and food-sharing events celebrating different cultures.

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The campaign is backed by more than 200 charities, including homelessness charity Crisis, learning disability charity Mencap, food bank network Trussell and refugee support coalition Together With Refugees.

“In my work and across our communities, I see people stepping up to welcome others every day, opening their homes, volunteering their time, and speaking out in support of refugees,” said Jehangir Malik, Interim Director of Together With Refugees. “We know that division and hate do not represent who we are, either as communities or as a country. Yet too often, these acts of compassion go unseen, making it easier for the rhetoric of hate to take hold.”

Malik added that now is the time to focus on what unites us — to find common ground and “shine a light on the millions of small but meaningful acts of solidarity and hope happening in every community, in every corner of the country, every day.”

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Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “The voices of hate and division can be loud and give the impression that Britain is hopelessly fractured. But working at Crisis and in the homelessness sector, that’s not what I see. I see kind and committed people in communities up and down the country looking out for each other.

“From the small actions — stopping for a chat or offering a hot drink to someone who is homeless — to the hundreds of people who give up their Christmases to help run some of our services,” he said. “It can be hard to be hopeful in changing and uncertain times and when day-to-day living costs continue to rise. Despite these pressures, there are so many quiet acts of kindness and resilience to celebrate and give us reason to be optimistic — and that’s what A Million Acts of Hope is all about.”

Polly Jones, Director of Communities at Trussell, said food banks see community spirit daily. “Every single day, we see people showing up for one another — donating, volunteering and standing alongside their neighbours when it matters most,” she said.

Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of learning disability charity Mencap, said inclusion “is built through action, not words alone.” “Across the country today, we see acts of hope that reflect our history and point to the future we’re still building,” he said.

“From community dance classes to volunteering friendships and shared community spaces, actions may seem small, but they can help transform lives. When we choose hope over hate, we create communities where people with a learning disability are seen, heard and valued.”

Organisers say more than 60,000 people have already signed what they describe as the UK’s biggest ever “thank you card,” recognising the people who brighten their communities. Anyone looking to support can find out more at millionactsofhope.org.

It has not been a straightforward two seasons in English football for the forward.

He joined the East Yorkshire club from Portuguese outfit Farense in August 2024 and enjoyed a decent start only for an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Oxford in November to end his season.

By the time he returned to action last August the club had sacked both Tim Walter and his replacement Ruben Selles and brought in Jakirovic.

Understandably after such a serious injury it took him time to get back up to speed and two hamstring injuries have kept him out for four months of this campaign.

He started Friday’s goalless first leg and hit the post after just two minutes but Jakirovic said he began Monday’s game on the bench as he had not been able to train since.

“He was very tired and had fatigue in both his hamstrings and Achilles so the plan was to give him the second half,” Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside.

“It was a great substitution and a great decision. Now I am very smart, if they do nothing I am stupid. It’s always like this.

“This group of players is unbelievable with the chemistry between them.”

Skipper Lewie Coyle was also full of praise for the match-winner and the club’s medical staff.

“He’s incredible. We are so lucky that we’ve got so many players that can come on and impact the game,” he said.

“We all know what that boy’s about. I’m so pleased for him.

“He’s had an incredibly tough injury but it says a lot about him and the recovery team that he’s come back as he has.”

Katie Price and husband Lee Andrews are set to make their first TV appearance together on Good Morning Britain with Ed Balls and Susanna Reid

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Katie Price and husband Lee Andrews are set to make their UK television debut together in just a few hours on Good Morning Britain.

The pair have dominated headlines since their surprise nuptials in January, leading to scrutiny from concerned family members and friends.

They will finally address all queries during their first joint television appearance on Tuesday (May 11) morning. In footage posted on the GMB Instagram account, Ed Balls and Susanna Reid announced their interview.

“Katie Price joins us alongside her husband, Lee Andrews, for their first live TV interview,” Susanna said in the video.

The former glamour model surprised many when she revealed her new spouse at the start of the year – though he has yet to be introduced to her family, as he currently resides in Dubai, with Katie making regular trips between the two locations, reports the Mirror.

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The I’m A Celebrity contestant is a familiar face on television and last sat on the GMB sofa in March, where she faced questions about her union and why her husband hadn’t met her five children.

Despite exchanging vows, she acknowledged uncertainty about whether they knew one another sufficiently to take that step, stressing that she “wants to get to know him more”.

“For me to introduce him to the kids, I won’t be introducing him to the kids yet, because I want to get to know him more myself,” she told Susanna. “I think the thing that everyone can’t get their head round is why have I married him quick.

“I was there. We got engaged. And it just felt right, so why not get married?”

Businessman Lee has also pushed back against worried followers who questioned whether they were “moving too fast” on Instagram, including in a post on Monday.

Responding to the criticism of his story, he wrote: “Respectfully, No. If anything, we’re catching up. We spent years giving our hearts to the wrong people, hoping they’d love us the way we deserved.

“Now that we’ve finally found each other? We’re not wasting another second. This isn’t fast. This is finally. And if I could’ve met her one moment sooner, I would’ve. So no – we’re not rushing. We’re just not holding back.”

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX

Experts from the World Health Organisation has shared some ‘effective measures’ to prevent the spread of the virus.

Over the last few weeks concern has grown following the news of a disease outbreak on a luxury cruise ship that has resulted in multiple confirmed cases and deaths. Since the hantavirus was discovered on the MV Hondius, multiple passengers are now quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral to closely monitor and test the disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently reassured Brits the public health risk is “low”, however it has said more cases could be possible. Hantavirus is usually transmitted only through infected rodents, however this specific strain on the ship has had human to human transmission previously reported.

In the past, getting the disease from another human would require close and prolonged contact, with people living in the same house and intimate partners being the most likely to be affected during the earliest phases of the illness, reports the Mirror.

Hantavirus symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, breathing difficulties can develop and require hospital treatment.

In a new update, WHO has shared several “effective measures” to prevent the hantavirus. However, the most important one is to avoid contact with infected people and rodents. According to the experts, other methods to consider include:

• keeping homes and workplaces clean
• sealing openings that allow rodents to enter buildings
• storing food securely
• using safe cleaning practices in areas contaminated by rodents
• avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming rodent droppings
• dampening of contaminated areas before cleaning
• strengthening hand hygiene practices

In most cases, the virus is said to be spread to humans when they come into contact with contaminated urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents.

According to WHO, this exposure can happen when cleaning poorly ventilated spaces, sleeping in rodent-infested dwelling or occupations in forestry and farming.

In the latest WHO update, director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “While this is a serious incident, WHO assesses the public health risk as low. It’s possible that more cases may be reported.”

Additionally, the UKHSA has reassured strict infection control measures are in place for the passengers who are completing their isolation. Along with regular testing and care by the NHS and UKHSA, passengers could be quarantined for up to 45 days.

A total of three people have died due to the outbreak, with 22 passengers currently completing their isolation in Wirral – 20 British nationals, one German national who stays in the UK and one Japanese passenger at the request of the Japanese government.

Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at UKHSA, said: “Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers.

“The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority. The risk remains very low for members of the general public.”

Long term isolation is key as hantavirus symptoms can take weeks to appear after the first exposure, with the symptoms being dismissed as the flu. However, as the virus develops, it can progress to cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, bleeding disorders or kidney failure. This is dependent on the strain the person has fallen ill with.

Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson said: “I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best.

“None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period. With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.”

Two months ago questions were raised as to whether Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky would ever play for the club again.

The Czech Republic international endured a nightmare 17 minutes in their Champions League last-16 match against Atletico Madrid in March which saw him concede three goals before being substituted off by then-manager Igor Tudor.

But after making one of the saves of the season to deny Leeds a late winner on Monday – ensuring Tottenham earned a point towards potential Premier League survival – the 23-year-old may just have gone some way to redeeming himself.

Mathys Tel’s 50th-minute strike had put Spurs ahead but the forward conceded a penalty for a high boot on Ethan Ampadu 24 minutes later and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot to level at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both sides probed for a winner in 13 minutes of added time and Leeds thought they had found it in the 99th minute when James Justin played Sean Longstaff through and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike at the near post from close range.

Enter Kinsky, who stretched to get fingertips to the ball and ensure it clattered off the crossbar and not into the roof of his net.

It is impossible to say how important that save could be come the end of the season but for now it leaves Spurs two points clear of West Ham in the relegation zone with two games remaining.

“That save is one of the saves of the season,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carrager on Sky Sports.

“Football is an absolute rollercoaster and who would have thought he would ever play for Tottenham again – and then he does that.

“You would have to have a heart of stone if you weren’t delighted for him. Everyone thought his career was over but that save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in the Premier League.”

‘I hope lessons have been learned. I will be keeping my eye on it’

Former city centre offices in Lisburn are to be redeveloped into apartments despite concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee this week unanimously signed off for the change of use of the former TSL House offices built in 2003.

The Bachelors Walk site, which is to be regenerated by ‘Ballard Developments Ltd’ is nestled in behind businesses on the main street close to the city’s railway station.

READ MORE: Thousands enjoy the sun in Lisburn at Mayor’s Carnival Parade Day.

READ MORE: NI councillor ‘won’t be silenced’ after alleged online threat.

Lisburn North DUP councillor Jonathan Craig said:”I would have concerns that a former business area will now be used by residents, who could have two or three cars.

“I trust this application has met all requirements.”

The elected member alluded to anti-social behaviour previously reported at another city centre apartment blocks at nearby Graham Gardens.

Issues ove r drug dealing and other crime in the area have been publicly highlighted over a number of years, including violent incidents.

Councillor Craig added:”I would like to put on the record about housing procedures and I have deep concerns about how some of it is done very poorly.

“I hope lessons have been learned. I will be keeping my eye on it.”

The chamber also heard Northern Ireland Water had initially objected to the plans due to capacity concerns for its waste-water network.

However, it was said that older data from the previous office use had been used with 53 staff identified at the building.

When the data was updated to the planned nine new apartments, the water authority withdrew its objection.

Castlereagh East Alliance Alderman Martin Gregg added: “Would there be a way for the council to test the internal sound proofing of such a building that was previously abandoned for some 20 years?

“I would have concerns that it might not meet today’s standards. Is there any way we can verify that?”

Lisburn North SDLP councillor Pat Catney said: “My understanding is that there are two social housing units with this application.

“I would have concerns that some housing associations could be coming in through the back door to get schemes through.

“I do welcome this application, but I would be wary of anti-social behaviour.”

A council officer responded: “Parking on this site is pretty good compared to other areas in the city centre. We could look to make new home owners aware that car parking is restricted.

“In regards to sound proofing, that is a matter for building control. There would be insulation required in the walls. Though, we do have equipment for testing internal sound. The planning policy requires a minimum of 20% social housing, but the developer could provide more.”

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Police are investigating after the woman was bitten

A woman has been bitten by a dog in a Cambridgeshire village. Cambridgeshire Police called to the incident at around 8.30pm on Saturday (May 9) in Nunns Way, Sutton.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at about 8.30pm on Saturday after a woman had been bitten by a dog on Nunns Way, Sutton. She was taken to hospital for treatment.

“A crime has been raised for allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control and an investigation is ongoing.” Cambridgeshire Police is appealing for information into the incident.

Anyone with information should contact police online or call 101 and quote reference 35/34463/26.

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