Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience
The Project
• The National Trust, in partnership with Moyle District Council, are leading on the development of a new ‘world class’ visitor centre and facilities at the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site.
• The previous visitor centre was destroyed by fire in 2000 and temporary facilities are currently in operation.
• Planning permission for the new visitor centre was given in January 2009.
• The overall cost of the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience is £18.5 million with a number of funders including:
• £9.25million through NITB of which EU Competitiveness is contributing £6.125million
• £3million Heritage Lottery Fund
• £6.25million National Trust (of which £2.25million is through fundraising activity)
• During reconstruction the current visitor facility will temporarily re-allocate to a site adjoining the Causeway Hotel from May 2010.
• Enabling Works are expected to commence in May/June 2010 and construction in the October 2010 and the estimated completion date is Summer 2012. During the construction of the new visitor facility, visitors will continue to gain access to the Giant’s Causeway.
• The award winning design, by architect’s heneghan.peng, is in line with UNESCO recommendations for a World Heritage Site, the design also promises to deliver a state of the art visitor facility which will greatly enhance the visitor experience at the Giant's Causeway. The exhibition design company Event Communications will create the interiors for the new building. Further details are available here
New Facilities
• The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience in 2012 will include the following:
World Class Interpretation – providing layered interpretation to the Giant’s Causeway
Shop – retailing local and Giant’s Causeway branded product
Tea room - 80 covers serving light refreshments with a local flavour
Orientation – informing visitors of access points on site
Tourist Information – providing tourist information on Causeway Coast & Northern Ireland
Guided Tours - booking essential
Toilets (14 F / 3 M & 5 urinals /1 Disabled /Baby Changing Facilities)
Please refer to The National Trust website for further information www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway
Project part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
Artists Impressions
NB: Pictures courtesy of The National Trust