Belfast's George Best hotel kicks off
Iconic items of George Best memorabilia have been presented to Signature Living, the hotel operator which is developing a property in Belfast named after the late Northern Ireland footballer.
Best's sister Barbara McNarry and her husband Norman presented Lawrence Kenwright, founder and chairman of Signature Living, with a signed shirt from the day of Best's funeral, replica European Cups, and a silver Northern Ireland cap.
The presentation took place at the former Scottish Mutual building in Belfast city centre. Originally designed by Henry Seaver in the early 1900s, the property is set to open as an 80-bedroom hotel by June 2018.
Kenwright said that the items would 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," he explained. "At Signature Living, we're passionate about creating and sharing stories and this is a fabulous way to showcase Belfast's most famous son.
Barbara McNarry said: "We are delighted that George's life and career are being honoured in such a stunning building and look forward to seeing it evolve into the George Best hotel.
"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."
Signature Living is also hoping to develop a George Best hotel in Manchester, the city where Best spent 11 years playing for Manchester United until 1974.
The company has experience of developing football-themed hotel, having opened the 83-bedroom Shankly hotel in 2015 named after the legendary Liverpool manager. Next year it is set to open a 100-bedroom property in honour of Everton footballer Dixie Dean, opposite the Shankly hotel.
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