Construction At Titanic Belfast In Focus

Titanic Belfast have released a series of virtual images of what visitors can expect to see when the Titanic Quarter attraction opens next April.

As the building project progresses alongside the River Lagan - close to the site of the ship's launch - the ambitious project has given a preview of the state-of-the-art technology to feature 3D holographic projections, with previously unseen footage and even a shipyard theme ride where visitors will pass through the famous Harland & Wolff gates for a tour of the shipyard as it was in 1911.

There will also be interactive exhibitions such as a fly-through of the ship, recreations of Titanic’s sumptuous interiors and a glass floor which surveys Titanic's wreck using previously unpublished images.

According to the project's technical team, some of the technology being used is so advanced it has been specifically adopted from complex 3D imaging tools more commonly found in the biotech industry.

Conal Harvey, Deputy Chairman of Titanic Belfast Ltd, the building's operators, said:

"The dreams and ambition, ingenuity and skill, passion and energy that created the world's greatest liner are rekindled within Titanic Belfast. We promise to deliver an exceptional experience that entertains, enriches and inspires everyone who visits Titanic Belfast."

Titanic Belfast's six floors will tell Titanic's story from its conception through to its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic loss. The story continues to the discovery of Titanic's wreck and an Ocean Exploration Centre with exclusive access to footage from Titanic's final resting place.

There will also be live links to current marine expeditions being undertaken by Dr. Robert Ballard who discovered the ship in 1985.

The building's nine interpretative and interactive galleries will use technology never seen before in Ireland, to retell the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the last century's Belfast and the people that made her.

Northern Ireland's largest banqueting and conference facility will also be held inside, while the glass fronted suite located on the top floor will provide stunning panoramic views across the City and Belfast Lough.

Titanic Belfast will be the largest man-made tourist attraction in Northern Ireland's history and is expected to attract around 400,000 visitors annually. With such a large investment involved, it's just hoped that the project does not become a sinking ship.

(DW/BMcC)