Eyesore building given new look ahead of Giro is targeted by vandals

The derelict Boundary Bar site, which was recently given a major facelift ahead of next month's Giro d'Italia cycle race, has been targeted by vandals. Pic by Freddie Parkinson

The Shore Road property, which has been lying derelict for years, was recently given a facelift ahead of the Giro d’Italia.

Tens of thousands of pounds has been spent improving run-down sites along the route of the cycle race, which will be televised in countries around the world.

The Tourist Board and local councils are aiming to use the race coverage to showcase Northern Ireland to a global audience.

Sinn Fein Councillor Marie Mackessy said she was “disappointed” that the new artwork covering the front of the Boundary Bar had been damaged with red paint, particularly given the hard work done by council staff to ensure the look of the site was improved prior to next month’s sporting event.

At their meeting on Monday night, councillors were informed that the artwork covering the eyesore property will stay in place after the big race.

• For full details of planned road closures and community celebrations scheduled to take place in the borough on race day (Saturday, May 10) see this week’s Times...