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Signature Living has announced that it will be opening a George Best hotel in Belfast as the group’s first project in the city.
The agreement was negotiated by IMG on behalf of the George Best Company, owned by George’s sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Norman McNarry.
Barbara said: “We are thrilled to support this exciting project knowing that George would have loved to see his name immortalised in a hotel where he would have also enjoyed staying.
“We look forward to showcasing some special memorabilia, hosting charity events and giving people from around the world a ‘Georgie’ inspired taste of our hometown.”
The hotel will be located at the city’s landmark Scottish Mutual Building and will celebrate the career of the former footballer.
Since being founded in 2008, Signature Living have become renowned for restoring iconic derelict buildings and transforming them into hotels and hospitality venues. The group is behind the Shankly Hotel, which is a tribute to legendary Liverpool Football Club manager Bill Shankly and 30 James Street which was previously the headquarters of the White Star Line – famous owners of the doomed RMS Titanic.
Lawrence Kenwright, founder of Signature Living, said: “George Best’s story is legendary, and we look forward to celebrating his journey at this new hotel development in his hometown.
“Signature Living has a solid track record of delivering unique hotel concepts, and we envisage the George Best Hotel being as popular as the Shankly Hotel in Liverpool which celebrates the life and career of one of the most successful football managers in history.
“The award-winning Shankly Hotel is now an international tourist attraction and our ambition is to replicate this success at the George Best Hotel in Belfast.”
