After purchasing Belfast's Scottish Mutual Building for £6 million in 2013, hotel developer Lawrence Kenwright has announced that he now intends to turn the Grade B1-listed site into a brand new £15 million hotel for the city centre.
Kenwright told The Belfast Telegraph that his Signature Living Group "will be focusing on sympathetically restoring this stunning, Scottish baronial-style landmark building back to its former glory and architectural beauty, as well as aligning it with Signature Living's exciting style and guest experience."
He was also reported to have stated that his company "will ensure the building plays its part in telling the story of Belfast at its industrial peak."
While Kenwright had previously announced plans to construct a hotel dedicated to iconic sports star George Best in Belfast, he declined to comment on whether the Scottish Mutual Building project will be the realisation of that proposal.
