NI's top politicians, First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have been taking on a Titanic mission.

They visited the site of Titanic Belfast to view progress on the Signature Building.

The building is on target to open at the end of March 2012 to mark the centenary of famous Titanic's maiden voyage.

Built to the same height as the ship, it will incorporate a major interactive exhibition through a number of themed galleries, recreating the Titanic story for visitors.

Speaking after the visit DUP Leader Mr Robinson said: "The Signature Building is another excellent example of the talent and professionalism of our local construction industry.

"Its iconic design is evocative of the Titanic and her sister ships and it will be a striking visitor attraction at the heart of the Titanic Quarter.

"The Executive, through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (DETI) and the NI Tourist Board, has contributed over £36m towards the project. Both the development of Titanic Belfast and the number of tourists and visitors it will undoubtedly draw will make a significant contribution to job creation and the local economy."

Sinn Fein's Mr McGuinness said: "The standard of work is exceptional and is a testament to the skill of our local craftsmen. It recreates the stylish interiors of Titanic and visitors cannot fail to be impressed by what they will see and by the conference and other facilities on offer.

"As the centenary year approaches, it is wholly appropriate that Belfast has a fitting and lasting tribute to the most famous of all ships, with which it will forever be synonymous.

"By interpreting it through a major interactive exhibition, the project will bring the story of Titanic to an even wider audience and it is destined to be one of our top tourism attractions," he said.

The Titanic Signature Building is one of five signature projects being supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) with the aim of creating high quality visitor experiences, which will attract greater numbers of tourists and result in higher levels of expenditure in the local economy.

Funding for the project has been provided by DETI, NITB, Titanic Quarter Ltd, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and from Belfast City Council.

The Titanic building and the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, both of which are scheduled to open in 2012, are the two largest elements in the NITB's Signature Projects Programme.

(BMcC/GK)