| In 2012, Belfast is set to celebrate the | | | | facilities, conference suites, a community resource |
| region’s most famous centenary- the 100th | | | | and a unique ‘flying theatre’. |
| year since the launch of the White Star Liner, The | | | | Developers hope this will prepare for the visitors |
| Titanic. 35,000 people were employed in Harland | | | | which will flock to the birthplace of the Titanic. |
| and Wolff’s Shipyard in Belfast, the biggest in | | | | The Thompson Dock already hosts visitors, |
| the world at the time of the Titanic’s launch. | | | | showing them the vast size of the liner, and the |
| In place of the working shipyard, which has | | | | adjacent pump house gives a welcome stop for a |
| shrunk to a workforce of less than 1,000, the | | | | snack or coffee, while giving information of the |
| plan is to build a new community in its place, | | | | life and time of the shipyard. |
| named The Titanic Quarter, with many different | | | | The Nomadic Vessel is a relic of these times, |
| developments springing up, almost overnight, all | | | | which has recently been brought back to Belfast |
| over the once much-loved land. | | | | and is currently being restored in preparation for |
| Everyone knows the tragic story of loss of life | | | | the centenary in 2012. The Nomadic is the only |
| felt beyond doubt, both in Belfast, where the | | | | remaining reminder of the times, and its role was |
| Titanic was built, and in Southampton, where it | | | | to ferry people from ship to shore. It is fitted out |
| was launched in 1912, when it crashed into an | | | | in the same style as the state rooms on the |
| iceberg in the middle of the North Atlantic. Almost | | | | Titanic, and was used by 1st class passengers to |
| every street in Belfast suffered a loss. The | | | | transfer from the dock. |
| youngest and last remaining survivor, Milvina Dean, | | | | We have already enjoyed 8 years of |
| who was a baby on board the Titanic, died in May | | | | entertainment from the Odyssey Complex, which |
| 2009. | | | | incorporates an ice rink, auditorium, and 12 cinema |
| The Titanic Quarter Visitor Centre is to tell the | | | | screens, as well as restaurants, bars and clubs. |
| complete story of the world famous RSM Titanic. | | | | The area has already become a |
| Every year, on the anniversary of the | | | | community-based hub for Belfast, known to host |
| Titanic’s launch, Belfast City Council holds | | | | family funfairs and, most recently welcomed the |
| story-telling and commemoratory events for both | | | | International Tall Ships Festival and Continental |
| children and adults alike, and this centre will act as | | | | Market. |
| an ideal location for these important community | | | | Many thousands of cruise passengers already visit |
| activities. | | | | Belfast every year. Titanic Quarter is a close |
| Although developments in Belfast’s Titanic | | | | distance from the docks, and this new tourist |
| Quarter have been facing difficulty over the last | | | | attraction will bring these passengers ashore, |
| 18 months due to economic difficulties across the | | | | enhancing Belfast’s economy. The Titanic |
| UK, plans for the development of the Titanic | | | | Quarter will be a great way to celebrate a |
| Quarter are now moving again, with apartments | | | | century of maritime history and enhance the |
| underway and the funding now in place for a | | | | Northern Ireland tourist experience. |
| Visitor Centre and Hotel. | | | | Tourists are expected to flock to The Titanic |
| Developments of great interest to local business | | | | Quarter, a unique and compelling reason for |
| people, local residents and visitors will include: | | | | tourists to make Northern Ireland their chosen |
| A £97 million five storey landmark centerpiece | | | | destination. The site is expected to attract around |
| building, a tourist, leisure and cultural facility, and an | | | | 400,000 visitors, which will be of economic benefit |
| exhibition gallery which will tell the story of RMS | | | | to the region, as well as be a draw for Northern |
| Titanic, and also Northern Ireland’s ship building | | | | Irish people, in search of top-class |
| and maritime history. | | | | accommodation, office space and entertainment. |
| - It will also house banqueting, retail and restaurant | | | | Completion is expected to be early 2012. |