Pub chain JD Wetherspoon will open a new pub in Belfast's Royal Avenue, subject to approval of planning permission.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, chairman Tim Martin said he is "hopeful" that the plans to open the pub, on the site of the former JJB Sports store in Belfast.
Martin, who is himself from Northern Ireland, is seeking to change of use of the property from a retail business to a pub.
"Because everything is subject to planning and licensing, it's never guaranteed. But we are optimistic that we have a reasonable chance of the go-ahead," said Martin.
If permission is granted, the pub would be open within a year, and would be perfectly placed to cash in on an influx of students coming to the area when the new Ulster University campus opens in 2018.
Wetherspoon is currently operating nine bars across Northern Ireland, including one in Belfast city centre: The Bridge House. It also purchased the former Methodist church in south Belfast for £1.2 million, which is due to open soon.
In the Republic, the chain operates two pubs in South County Dublin, the Three Tun Tavern and the The Forty Foot (pictured) Another five set to open in the upcoming months in Dublin and Cork, including one in Swords set to open in July.
