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25/05/2007
Executive backs lottery application for Titanic project
Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds announced support for an application to the Big Lottery Fund for £25 million towards the £90 million Titanic Signature Project.
Today’s announcement followed yesterday’s Northern Ireland Executive meeting, where agreement was given to proceed with the application.
Subject to the successful grant of Big Lottery funding, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment will offer a commitment to provide up to £32.5 million in funding over three years, to the Project. Titanic Quarter Limited and Belfast Harbour Commissioners have also agreed to contribute £32.5 million.
Announcing the decision the Minister said: “I fully support the Titanic Signature Project application. The new Northern Ireland Executive agrees that, if the Project can be realised, this living landmark will be a catalyst to achieve significant tourism growth which will bring economic and social benefits, not only to the people of Belfast but to all of Northern Ireland."
The Titanic Signature Project envisages an iconic building located at the head of the Titanic and Olympic Slipways in the heart of Titanic Quarter. Located on over three acres of the land, the building would be over five storeys high and contain five themed exhibition galleries which would tell the story of Titanic. The building would also include banqueting, retail, and restaurant facilities as well as a dedicated space for use by local community and voluntary organisations.
When finished, the building would be nearly twice the size of Belfast City Hall and would be the central feature of the overall Titanic Quarter Development. The proposal is to have the project completed by 2012, the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic. It is expected to attract up to 400,000 visitors per year.
Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Titanic Quarter Limited, welcomed the Minister’s announcement. Mr Smith said: “We have been involved with this project for several years now in partnership with Belfast Harbour Commissioners and are delighted with the announcement that government will support the Lottery application and, along with ourselves and the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, commit the necessary resources to make this world class project a reality.”
(JM/SP)
Today’s announcement followed yesterday’s Northern Ireland Executive meeting, where agreement was given to proceed with the application.
Subject to the successful grant of Big Lottery funding, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment will offer a commitment to provide up to £32.5 million in funding over three years, to the Project. Titanic Quarter Limited and Belfast Harbour Commissioners have also agreed to contribute £32.5 million.
Announcing the decision the Minister said: “I fully support the Titanic Signature Project application. The new Northern Ireland Executive agrees that, if the Project can be realised, this living landmark will be a catalyst to achieve significant tourism growth which will bring economic and social benefits, not only to the people of Belfast but to all of Northern Ireland."
The Titanic Signature Project envisages an iconic building located at the head of the Titanic and Olympic Slipways in the heart of Titanic Quarter. Located on over three acres of the land, the building would be over five storeys high and contain five themed exhibition galleries which would tell the story of Titanic. The building would also include banqueting, retail, and restaurant facilities as well as a dedicated space for use by local community and voluntary organisations.
When finished, the building would be nearly twice the size of Belfast City Hall and would be the central feature of the overall Titanic Quarter Development. The proposal is to have the project completed by 2012, the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic. It is expected to attract up to 400,000 visitors per year.
Mike Smith, Chief Executive of Titanic Quarter Limited, welcomed the Minister’s announcement. Mr Smith said: “We have been involved with this project for several years now in partnership with Belfast Harbour Commissioners and are delighted with the announcement that government will support the Lottery application and, along with ourselves and the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, commit the necessary resources to make this world class project a reality.”
(JM/SP)
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