March 29, 2024 12:54 AM
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Northern Ireland venue to see major expansion by 2016

Designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing center, a new £29.5 million development will see Northern Ireland’s Belfast Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre’s usable space more than double in size to almost 7,000 square meters (75,347.37 square feet).

Each floor will offer stylish and versatile spaces fitted to a high specification to create an engaging and memorable experience. The new extension will boast an additional 4,000 square meters of flexible conference, exhibition, banqueting and breakout space equipped with a high-tech specification to support any event.

ECN 102014_INT_Belfast Waterfront Convention Center in Northern Ireland

The extension is the flagship project of the Belfast City Council’s three-year £150 million investment program for the area. The expansion will cost £29.5 million to build. Belfast City Council has committed £11 million toward the development and secured funding of £14.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and £4 million from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) to cover the remaining costs.

When opened, it is expected to bring £39 million to the local economy annually, effectively doubling the 2011 value of conferencing and events to the city.

Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built conference center confirmed funding on Jan. 30 and development work is due to commence this autumn, with the extended venue expected to be fully operational by mid-2016.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan announced planning approval for a £29.5million extension to Belfast Waterfront.

The extension will:

  • Double the size of the existing conference facilities at Belfast Waterfront
  • Offer an additional 4,000 square meters of conference, exhibition and banqueting space
  • Include a Hall 1 of 1,805 square meters and a Hall 2 of 702 square meters
  • Provide extra, purpose-built, flexible meeting and circulation spaces
  • Allow the venue to compete more effectively for larger conferences

The extension is brought to life by a new 3D flythrough, which will help organizers understand how the new venue will facilitate future events. The 3D flythrough is a must-see for event organizers and will reaffirm why their next event should be held in Belfast. It provides a real sense of the space and versatility of the extended facility opening in 2016. The flythrough will take visitors on a journey around both new and existing spaces, showcasing how the venue will offer more choice and greater flexibility.

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