Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Property supremo zoo-ms in on iconic Floral Hall
A DEVELOPER has stated his desire to turn Belfast’s iconic Floral Hall into a wedding venue.
Signature Living’s founder and chairman Lawrence Kenwright said he wants to create “a leading entertainment, conference and marriage” facility.
The property supremo, who is behind the George Best Hotel and the Crumlin Road Courthouse into a hotel, said he wanted to acquire and restore the venue.
Speaking of his ambition to restore the “gem in Belfast’s social and cultural history to its former glory”, Mr Kenwright said: “I immediately fell in love with the Floral Hall and its rich history as ‘The Ballroom Of Romance’. That so many love stories originate there is very special.”
Currently owned by Belfast City Council, it has been closed to the public since the 1970s.
BCC’S director of property and projects Gerry Millar said: “We have not entered into formal discussions with any developer and disposal of this Councilturning owned asset would be strictly subject to due process.
Sited within the grounds of Belfast Zoo, the Floral Hall was built in the mid-1930s.
It was one of Belfast’s foremost entertainment venues for more than 35 years
It is estimated around £5million would be required to restore it.