The minister made the announcement at the existing Ridgeway Street site, bringing the total investment by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in the project to £9.23million.
As the minister symbolically began the demolition of the old Lyric Theatre, which was opened 40 years ago in 1968, he commented: “This significant arts project has been in the planning stages for some time and it is very satisfying to see work beginning on site with the demolition of the old theatre.
“Through this investment, we are not only helping support the arts in Belfast, but we are also contributing to the economic and social development of our capital city. The arts play a vital role in the cultural and economic life of Northern Ireland and help to bring in tourists and further investment.”
The Lyric vacated their building in March this year and demolition work is due to run between early May and the end of June. Local firm Gilbert Ash Construction has been selected as the Preferred Bidders for Main Contractor on the project and, subject to agreement with the Lyric, is scheduled to begin work on site in June. The new theatre is due to re-open in March 2010.
The minister wished the Lyric well as the project moved forward to the construction phase: “I look forward to visiting again when the new facility is completed in 2010. I trust that the wider community will benefit from this ambitious project and it will provide more opportunities for our young people to get involved in the arts.”
Also attending the demolition was Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland. She said: “The Arts Council welcomes the additional funding by DCAL and Belfast City Council which will allow this much needed project to get underway.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Facilities to be included in new theatre:
- ·350 seat Main Auditorium
- ·120 seat Studio Space
- ·New front of house and back stage facilities
- ·New office accommodation
2. Project Programme Dates
- · ‘Enabling Works’ Contractor on site – March to June 2008
- · Main Contractor Mobilisation - May 2008
- · Main Contractor Start on Site - June 2008
- · Construction Completion – March 2010
3. Construction Team
- ·Architects - O’Donnell and Tuomey
- ·Preferred Bidders for Main Contractors – Gilbert Ash Construction
- ·Project Managers - EC Harris Consultants
4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel 028 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
