Other News In Brief

National Gardening Week Launched At New Belfast Flax Field

National Gardening Week got underway yesterday, Monday 29 April, at Belfast's newly installed Flax Field on Bedford Square.

The new urban planting in the heart of the city was installed with the help of local primary schoolchildren from St Malachy's Primary.

The feature, commissioned by the Linen Quarter Business Improvement District, includes beautiful new planters and attractive new streetscaping to be enjoyed for years to come.

The area will provide striking new outdoor seating for people to enjoy, including employees of the Public Health Agency, Invest NI and Tourism Northern Ireland. The centre piece of the installation contains six planters devoted to growing flax between April and June each year, symbolising the area's famous linen heritage.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey said: "This installation is representative of the major improvements being made throughout the Linen Quarter. I'm delighted to be here today to help the very talented gardeners from St Malachy's Primary School launch National Gardening Week. The new planters are a beautiful addition to Bedford Square which will help to improve the city experience, one of the aims of the Belfast Agenda for the city for nearby workers and those sampling the area's thriving hospitality offerings."

Departures Lounge To Be Renovated At Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport's departure lounge is set to get a major facelift with a new collection of food and drink destinations.

The new Northern QTR will include a renovated Fed and Watered along with Coco Diablo Mexican Cantina and the popular all-Ireland brand Chopped. The main feature of the new area will be the 24m long, oval-shaped NQTR Bar. The existing departures lounge will be extended to create the extra space for the project.

Fit out specialists Marcon will work alongside Horscroft Design to create the new spaces over a 12-week programme.

Mark O'Connor, Marcon, said: "We are really pleased to be able to play such an integral role in this exciting extension at the airport. Over the years we have built up a wealth of experience working airside and landside at international and regional airports with each project having its own unique challenges. The new Northern QTR will prove to be an excellent addition to the airport and we cannot wait to see the new area being used by the many passengers flying out of Belfast International Airport."

The upgrades are being delivered on behalf of leading catering and facilities services company Mount Charles.

Commercial Manager at Belfast International Airport, Deirdre Graffin added: "With over six million passengers expected to use the airport this year we recognised the need to develop the food and beverage offering available for travellers. Mount Charles and Marcon have developed a fantastic concept and we cannot wait to welcome three exciting new brands to our food and beverage portfolio."

Carryduff Play Park Reopened

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has officially reopened Carryduff Play Park- the fourth of six to be refurbished this year as part of the council's £620,000 investment into redeveloping local play areas.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the council's Leisure & Community Development Committee, said: "We're delighted to be reopening the council's fourth refurbished play park this year. I know the park has been well-used over the Easter holidays and it's great to see this newly modernised facility becoming a valued outdoor space for the community to enjoy.

"The unique aspect of Carryduff Play Park is that, as well as having a safety surface and a range of play equipment, it also features a range of outdoor gym equipment for adults, which has been funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA). The gym equipment has been spread throughout the park so it can be used as part of an individual's daily walk or run.

"As a council, we're committed to creating places where people of all ages have opportunities to enjoy healthy and active lifestyles. And we're delighted to be working in partnership with the PHA to provide first-class outdoor facilities to our communities."



(JG/MH)