Causeway Centre development takes giant step forward

The creation of a world-class visitors' centre at the Giant’s Causeway was a step closer today after an English based firm was announced as project advisors to the design of the building.

Locum Destination Consulting will organise the international design competition which will start in early 2004. The announcement was made by NIO Minister Ian Pearson at a meeting of the Tourism Strategy Forum in Belfast today.

The Forum was set up in April to forge a joined up Government and industry approach to the strategic development of the Northern Ireland tourism industry.

The Minister said: “A world class site such as the Giant’s Causeway deserves a world class visitors’ centre which will deliver top quality facilities capable of offering a unique experience to our visitors and a huge boost to the Northern Ireland economy.

“Over the coming months, Locum Destination Consulting will work with DETI and other key interests to take forward the international competition. In particular the Company will be working in partnership with the international Union of Architects (UIA).”

The UIA which is based in Paris is the leading expert in the management of international design competitions.

It has recently organised the international design competition for the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo and organised the competition for the world-renowned Sydney Opera House.

(MB)