Plans for the much-anticipated George Best Hotel have been revealed.
Located in Donegall Square South in Belfast City Centre, The Scottish Mutual building was bought by Liverpool developers Signature Living Group and will contain around 80 bedrooms.
Family and friends of the renowned football played George Best have presented the development group with iconic memorabilia items.
This presentation was held at the former Scottish Mutual building, attended by the Best family and Nuala McAllister, the Lord Mayor of Belfast.
These items presented by the Best family includes a signed shirt from the day of his funeral, replica European Cups and a silver Northern Ireland cap.
Lawrence Kenwright, Founder and Chairman of Signature Living said: “This is truly an exciting day for us as we receive these pieces of memorabilia that will form the beginning of a George Best collection at the hotel.
“This marks the next step in our journey to bring George and his genius to life within the hotel. At Signature Living, we’re passionate about creating and sharing stories and this is a fabulous way to showcase Belfast’s most famous son. It will be a visual experience that will reflect his footballing prowess and the hero he was to so many people in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and further afield.”
Mr Best’s sister, Barbara McNarry, highlighted that the family are “delighted that George’s life and career are being honoured in such a stunning building.”
McNarry continued: “The recognition of Georgie in the city centre has a very important meaning to us and fills us with enormous pride. We have every faith in Signature Living’s ability to bring George’s story to life within the hotel.”
Councillor Nuala McAllister, Lord Mayor of Belfast, commented: “This is an exciting development in the city centre not just for the residents of Belfast who remember George Best with pride and affection, but for fans and visitors from across the world who also admired his outstanding football skills.”
Discussing his plans for the hotel earlier this years, Mr Kenwright commented: “It’s about unearthing those stories…not so much the main life stories that everyone knows. This is about the stories you don’t know about. Every room and guest space within the hotel will reflect the genius of the man this city and fans around the world love so much.”
“We’re excited about the next 12 months as we continue to plan, prepare and deliver this new icon of Belfast. We feel we could have the doors open by June 2018.”
