29/01/2008
Best Statue 'Saved' By Private Developer
While public subscription failed to realise enough cash, the legendary NI player George Best is still set to be properly commemorated thanks to a private contribution.
The George Best Memorial Trust today announced that local urban regeneration developer, Doug Elliott, has agreed to fund and manage the delivery of a lasting memorial to the football legend in Belfast city centre.
The Trust, which was set up - with support from Belfast City Council - to raise funds for a George Best statue from public subscription, has been formally wound up as the money and delivery mechanism are now in place.
The Best family today warmly welcomed the involvement of Mr Elliott, who is one of the lead developers at the Gasworks project at Lower Ormeau Road and proprietor of Batik Creative Design Store, which is also located there. He is a founder director of twenty two over seven architects, and another of his companies is responsible for the restoration of the wonderful Ormeau Baths building.
George Best Memorial Trust chairman, Tom McGrath, said: "The statue will be a fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest footballers and Northern Ireland's greatest sporting hero.
"Because of the genuine worldwide affection for George, it will prove to be one of our biggest tourist attractions in the years to come."
Mr Elliott said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to deliver this public art project for George, for his family, for the city of Belfast and for all George's admirers in Northern Ireland and further afield.
George's father, Dickie, said: "I was aware of the difficulties in raising sufficient funds for the statue and accept that people have their own financial demands to address.
"While I am disappointed we couldn't fulfil our preferred option to raise all of the money by public subscription, I am absolutely delighted that Doug has come forward in this way.
"Myself and my family have always been truly proud of George and his achievements and we are pleased he is now to be recognised in this way," he said.
While a decision has been taken to wind up the Trust and hand over the project to Doug Elliott and his team, staff from Belfast City Council who assisted the Trust will continue to assist Mr Elliott in the implementation of the project.
(GK/JM)(BMcC)
The George Best Memorial Trust today announced that local urban regeneration developer, Doug Elliott, has agreed to fund and manage the delivery of a lasting memorial to the football legend in Belfast city centre.
The Trust, which was set up - with support from Belfast City Council - to raise funds for a George Best statue from public subscription, has been formally wound up as the money and delivery mechanism are now in place.
The Best family today warmly welcomed the involvement of Mr Elliott, who is one of the lead developers at the Gasworks project at Lower Ormeau Road and proprietor of Batik Creative Design Store, which is also located there. He is a founder director of twenty two over seven architects, and another of his companies is responsible for the restoration of the wonderful Ormeau Baths building.
George Best Memorial Trust chairman, Tom McGrath, said: "The statue will be a fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest footballers and Northern Ireland's greatest sporting hero.
"Because of the genuine worldwide affection for George, it will prove to be one of our biggest tourist attractions in the years to come."
Mr Elliott said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to deliver this public art project for George, for his family, for the city of Belfast and for all George's admirers in Northern Ireland and further afield.
George's father, Dickie, said: "I was aware of the difficulties in raising sufficient funds for the statue and accept that people have their own financial demands to address.
"While I am disappointed we couldn't fulfil our preferred option to raise all of the money by public subscription, I am absolutely delighted that Doug has come forward in this way.
"Myself and my family have always been truly proud of George and his achievements and we are pleased he is now to be recognised in this way," he said.
While a decision has been taken to wind up the Trust and hand over the project to Doug Elliott and his team, staff from Belfast City Council who assisted the Trust will continue to assist Mr Elliott in the implementation of the project.
(GK/JM)(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2024
SSE Arena Implements Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' Technology
Belfast's SSE Arena has become the first indoor venue in Europe to implement Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' technology, offering frictionless checkout-free shopping and revolutionising the fan experience.
SSE Arena Implements Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' Technology
Belfast's SSE Arena has become the first indoor venue in Europe to implement Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' technology, offering frictionless checkout-free shopping and revolutionising the fan experience.
11 March 2024
Appeal Following Robbery And Attempted Hijacking In Belfast
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a robbery and attempted hijacking in Belfast City Centre on Saturday, 09 March. It was reported to police, that at around 9.
Appeal Following Robbery And Attempted Hijacking In Belfast
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a robbery and attempted hijacking in Belfast City Centre on Saturday, 09 March. It was reported to police, that at around 9.
08 March 2024
Man Wanted In Ireland On Drug Offences Arrested In South Belfast
A 59-year-old man wanted in the Republic of Ireland has been arrested in south Belfast by the PSNI's International Policing Unit. Wanted to stand trial for drugs offences that occurred in the Kilkenny area in 2012.
Man Wanted In Ireland On Drug Offences Arrested In South Belfast
A 59-year-old man wanted in the Republic of Ireland has been arrested in south Belfast by the PSNI's International Policing Unit. Wanted to stand trial for drugs offences that occurred in the Kilkenny area in 2012.
08 March 2024
Renewed Appeal For Information In West Belfast Murder Investigation
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have renewed an appeal for information following the death of a man in west Belfast. A murder investigation was launched after a man was found seriously injured and unconscious in the Cupar Street area of the city on Wednesday evening, 6 March. The man passed away in hospital later that same night.
Renewed Appeal For Information In West Belfast Murder Investigation
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have renewed an appeal for information following the death of a man in west Belfast. A murder investigation was launched after a man was found seriously injured and unconscious in the Cupar Street area of the city on Wednesday evening, 6 March. The man passed away in hospital later that same night.
07 March 2024
Murder Investigation Launches After Man Found In West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in west Belfast. On Wednesday, 06 March, a man was found with serious injuries in the Cupar Street area just before 8pm. The man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transferred to hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Murder Investigation Launches After Man Found In West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in west Belfast. On Wednesday, 06 March, a man was found with serious injuries in the Cupar Street area just before 8pm. The man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transferred to hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.