Ireland-based operator Maldron Hotels has expanded into the UK with the launch of a 216-bedroom property in Cardiff - part of a wider scheme led by Rush Developments.

The new 12-storey hotel has been built on the site of the former Central Hotel, near Cardiff Central railway station, and has been designed by Belfast-based White Ink Architects. Delivered by McAleer and Rushe, the £25m project was funded by Cardiff's Julian Hodge Bank and will also feature retail or restaurant space on the ground floor.

Maldron - founded in 2007 by former Jurys Doyle chief executive Pat McCann - has plans to further expand its presence in the UK in the long-term. McCann, who brought Jurys Hotel to Cardiff in 1994, said: "Strong comparisons can be drawn between Cardiff and Dublin.

"It has a thriving leisure market at weekends and a strong corporate market during the week. For me the city offers huge potential so it made sense for our first UK development to be there."