TITANIC Belfast is to undergo a multi-million-pound gallery refreshment programme.
Dutch design firms Opera Amsterdam and Studio Louter have been awarded the contract for the major project.
The tourist attraction’s chief executive Judith Owens said it represents largest single investment in the site to date.
The investment will come from the Titanic Belfast Gallery Refreshment Fund, established when the building opened as part of the commercial operator agreement and held by the charity owner, Maritime Belfast Trust.
The announcement was made as Titanic Belfast published a report estimating it has generated around £430 million in direct spend for the north’s economy since it opened.
The analysis, carried out by Deloitte said 6.5 million visitors from 145 countries have passed through its doors in that decade.
Judith Owens said the gallery refreshment will produce “a world-class spectacle” to help it retain its attractiveness to tourists.
“Since opening on Saturday March 31 2012, Titanic Belfast has gone from strength to strength and played a key role in the resurgence of tourism, not only for Belfast and Northern Ireland, but for the island of Ireland as a whole,” said the chief executive.
“In the last 10 years, we have firmly established ourselves on the local, national and international stage, winning a host of prestigious accolades including being named as the world’s leading tourist attraction.
“82 per cent of visitors come from outside of Northern Ireland demonstrating the important driver this iconic building plays for inbound tourism.
“Titanic Belfast has not only driven leisure tourism but has been fundamental in reinvigorating Belfast’s event industry as one of the city’s signature venues having hosted over 3,000 business and leisure events.
“We are firmly committed to preserving the authenticity of Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage and in playing a pivotal role in the regrowth of local tourism post-pandemic, particularly as international travel resumes.”
