Work to start on Causeway centre

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) announced 9.25 million funding to deliver replacement visitor services at the World Heritage Site.

The move follows the signing of an agreement between NITB and the National Trust, with the funding representing 50% of the overall project cost.

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of NITB said: "The Giant's Causeway is the jewel in the crown of NITB's Causeway Coast & Glens Signature Project. NITB funding of 9.25 million, and 50% of total project cost of 18.5 million, will allow the building of the new visitor facilities to commence very shortly.

"NITB funding has been given on the basis of developing Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site and number one tourist attraction to provide a world-class tourism offering which will interpret the Causeway and the wider region.

"This will provide opportunities to grow the tourism sector by signposting visitors to other attractions in the region, increasing the time that visitors stay in the region and increasing the amount spent by visitors."

The National Trust's Director for Northern Ireland, Hilary McGrady, said: "This announcement means that now we should be on site by the end of spring. It is just two short years since the National Trust took the lead in this project and we are now literally weeks away from breaking ground.

"I am delighted that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and have continued to support this massive project and reflect their confidence in our ability to deliver."

Preliminary works will begin in May. This will see new car parks being created, retail and tourist information being relocated to the Causeway Hotel and additional toilets and onsite catering kiosks being provided. Off-site works will provide for park and ride facilities in nearby Bushmills.

In autumn 2010 the main build will commence. This will result in the restoration of the Causeway headland, the building of the visitor facilities befitting the status of the site, an improved trails and path network, high quality interpretation and increased engagement with local communities. The new building will be completed by summer 2012.