A Liverpool property firm's new £15m hotel named after a football legend has been delayed due to what it called "unforeseen" circumstances.
Signature Living , which holds a portfolio of properties across Liverpool , says it is working with Belfast City Council to "ensure all planning issues and regulations" regarding its new George Best Hotel development, are addressed.
The firm initially hoped the 63-bedroom luxury hotel would open in the Northern Irish city's centre in June last year, but the plans have been hit by delays, leading it to launch an "operational review", Business Live reports .
Named after the Manchester United legend, it's set to be opened in the city's old Scottish Mutual Building on Donegall Square South.
But following the delays, it's been reported that staff hired ahead of the anticipated opening have been offered alternative posts in Liverpool and Cardiff.
A Signature Living statement issued this week to The Caterer website said : “The opening of the George Best Hotel Belfast has been delayed due to unforeseen building works in the restoration process with building regulations and protocols taking longer than had been originally expected.
“As with many listed buildings that we have developed, it is often the case that the restoration process can be a complex one which has to be monitored and adapted through each stage of the development.
“We are working pro-actively with Belfast City Council and its various departments to ensure that all planning issues and regulations are addressed.”
It's also understood a relocation package was offered to employees, meaning they would return to Belfast and the George Best Hotel once an opening date was confirmed. That deal included travel, accommodation and flights.
