Stormont backs Titanic Application

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Tourism Minister Nigel Dodds announced support for an application to the Big Lottery Fund for £25million towards the £90 million Titanic Signature Project.

The announcement followed a recent 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 £32.5million 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.”

The Lottery application will be made by the Titanic Charitable Foundation, a company which has just recently been established to take the project forward. The Foundation will draw its membership from a wide range of organisations, including some of those which have been involved in taking the project to this stage. The Chairman of the Foundation is Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Commenting on the Minister’s announcement Mr Clarke said: “This Project provides a real opportunity for Belfast and Northern Ireland to realise its potential as a world class tourism destination, achieve international standout and ensure that we are on every visitor’s ‘must see’ list.”

  • In August 2006 the Titanic Signature project was one of 23 projects across the UK short listed for the Living Landmarks Fund.
  • The deadline for receipt of the final Lottery application is 31 May 2007.
  • The Lottery application requires a commitment from the other funding partners to fund the project.
  • The Living Landmarks Fund will award grants of between £10 and £25million. It is anticipated that up to six projects will receive funding.
  • Lottery decision is anticipated in November 2007.
  • Two other projects in Northern Ireland have also been short listed: the Belfast City Council Giants Park Project on the North Foreshore and the East Belfast Partnership Board Connswater Green Way Project.


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