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17/10/2003
Time to take 'Titanic' step says former Minister
Former Enterprise Minister Sir Reg Empey has called on the government to help businessmen take the plunge with ideas to develop the Titanic theme in east Belfast.
A former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Reg said there had been much talk in the area about "Titanic" ideas and that he had been approached by local businessmen who where trying to get a consortium going to exploit the opportunity created by the story and history of the vessel.
“This is not a new suggestion, but for years many local people have been doing their best, but getting little support. This must change," he said.
“The name of the Titanic is a brand name that is famous throughout the world. I understand that it is second only to ‘Coca-Cola’ in terms of name recognition.
“How is it then that we find only a derelict slipway at the site where she was built? Does anybody believe that if the Titanic had been built in America her ‘birthplace’ would be a derelict plot? Of course not."
Sir Reg said it was time for the government to "act decisively" and take a lead in promoting a major development in east Belfast which would attract visitors and jobs. The former minister said he had written to his predecessor, Ian Pearson to ask him to take an initiative on behalf of the government.
"I believe that Government, working with Belfast City Council and other local interests can make this happen. New jobs at the Titanic site could make up for many of those that have been lost in east Belfast in recent years," he concluded.
(MB)
A former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Reg said there had been much talk in the area about "Titanic" ideas and that he had been approached by local businessmen who where trying to get a consortium going to exploit the opportunity created by the story and history of the vessel.
“This is not a new suggestion, but for years many local people have been doing their best, but getting little support. This must change," he said.
“The name of the Titanic is a brand name that is famous throughout the world. I understand that it is second only to ‘Coca-Cola’ in terms of name recognition.
“How is it then that we find only a derelict slipway at the site where she was built? Does anybody believe that if the Titanic had been built in America her ‘birthplace’ would be a derelict plot? Of course not."
Sir Reg said it was time for the government to "act decisively" and take a lead in promoting a major development in east Belfast which would attract visitors and jobs. The former minister said he had written to his predecessor, Ian Pearson to ask him to take an initiative on behalf of the government.
"I believe that Government, working with Belfast City Council and other local interests can make this happen. New jobs at the Titanic site could make up for many of those that have been lost in east Belfast in recent years," he concluded.
(MB)
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