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11/02/2016
Exploris Aquarium To Re-Open
Northern Ireland's only aquarium Exploris is to re-open its doors this summer.
The aquarium, based in Strangford, Co Down, remained closed after Ards Borough Council failed to appoint a contractor to undertake refurbishment work at the attraction in 2015.
Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news.
She said: "Exploris is a vital part of the Strangford Constituency's tourist economy especially the Ards Peninsula where the impact of the closure over the past few years has seen many local businesses struggle, but hopefully 2016 will see a real turnaround for them.
"I want to thank all of those involved especially the 'Friends of Exploris' group and the local community for their hard work and dedication and for never giving up on the goal to see Exploris re-opened. With work due to be completed in July 2016, I look forward to seeing the site reinstated as a key tourist destination for both the Ards Peninsula and the whole borough."
(CD)
The aquarium, based in Strangford, Co Down, remained closed after Ards Borough Council failed to appoint a contractor to undertake refurbishment work at the attraction in 2015.
Alliance Councillor Kellie Armstrong welcomed the news.
She said: "Exploris is a vital part of the Strangford Constituency's tourist economy especially the Ards Peninsula where the impact of the closure over the past few years has seen many local businesses struggle, but hopefully 2016 will see a real turnaround for them.
"I want to thank all of those involved especially the 'Friends of Exploris' group and the local community for their hard work and dedication and for never giving up on the goal to see Exploris re-opened. With work due to be completed in July 2016, I look forward to seeing the site reinstated as a key tourist destination for both the Ards Peninsula and the whole borough."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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19 June 2015
Refurbishment Funding Lost At Exploris Centre
Funding promised to the Exploris aquarium has been lost following a failure to appoint a contractor for planned refurbishment work. A refurbishment programme was established for the centre after the Department of the Environment committed funding of £214,000.
Refurbishment Funding Lost At Exploris Centre
Funding promised to the Exploris aquarium has been lost following a failure to appoint a contractor for planned refurbishment work. A refurbishment programme was established for the centre after the Department of the Environment committed funding of £214,000.
01 October 2013
Community Shows Support For Exploris
NIPSA has reported overwhelming support within the community of Portaferry, County Down, to lobby political parties to find a solution to the proposed closure of the Exploris aquarium in the town. More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
Community Shows Support For Exploris
NIPSA has reported overwhelming support within the community of Portaferry, County Down, to lobby political parties to find a solution to the proposed closure of the Exploris aquarium in the town. More than 100 people met in the Portaferry Hotel last night to discuss the future of Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary.
25 September 2013
Councillors To Decide Exploris Fate
The future of Northern Ireland's only aquarium will be decided at a council meeting tonight (Wednesday). The council-run Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, is facing the threat of closure after a take-over acquisition with a private firm collapsed earlier this month.
Councillors To Decide Exploris Fate
The future of Northern Ireland's only aquarium will be decided at a council meeting tonight (Wednesday). The council-run Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down, is facing the threat of closure after a take-over acquisition with a private firm collapsed earlier this month.
07 August 2014
Council Accepts Exploris Funding
Ards Borough Council has accepted the Executive’s offer of £914,000 capital funding and up to £120K revenue funding to save the threatened Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, it has been announced.
Council Accepts Exploris Funding
Ards Borough Council has accepted the Executive’s offer of £914,000 capital funding and up to £120K revenue funding to save the threatened Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, it has been announced.
27 March 2014
Ards Council Submit Financial Plan For Exploris Aquariam
The Exploris aquarium in Portaferry has been granted a further two months before a final decision is taken on its longterm future. The aquarium has been marked for closure due to the cost of operating the facility.
Ards Council Submit Financial Plan For Exploris Aquariam
The Exploris aquarium in Portaferry has been granted a further two months before a final decision is taken on its longterm future. The aquarium has been marked for closure due to the cost of operating the facility.
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