13/06/2012
Balmoral Show To Move To Maze
The Balmoral show is to move to the former Maze prison site.
More than 600 farmers gathered at the Kings Halls in Belfast last night to vote at an especially-convened meeting.
A large majority voted to move to the site outside Lisburn, leaving behind the King’s Hall where the agricultural show has been held for more than 100 years.
The head of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), Colin McDonald, said the show had outgrown its traditional venue.
RUAS agreed to purchase a 65-acre site at the former Maze prison in March, for a sum of up to £4m.
Mr McDonald said: "This proposal has always focused on the commercial realities – market competition, capacity, and the future of the King's Hall."
The site used for the show at the Maze will be given the symbolic name of Balmoral Park to continue some tradition.
Although concerns were raised about access to the new grounds on busy show days, people high up in RUAS insisted work was being started immediately to make sure the site was ready in time for spring next year.
The King's Hall will be developed for housing and shops, while the site at the Maze will hold an agricultural centre of excellence as well as the grounds for the annual show.
(NE)
More than 600 farmers gathered at the Kings Halls in Belfast last night to vote at an especially-convened meeting.
A large majority voted to move to the site outside Lisburn, leaving behind the King’s Hall where the agricultural show has been held for more than 100 years.
The head of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), Colin McDonald, said the show had outgrown its traditional venue.
RUAS agreed to purchase a 65-acre site at the former Maze prison in March, for a sum of up to £4m.
Mr McDonald said: "This proposal has always focused on the commercial realities – market competition, capacity, and the future of the King's Hall."
The site used for the show at the Maze will be given the symbolic name of Balmoral Park to continue some tradition.
Although concerns were raised about access to the new grounds on busy show days, people high up in RUAS insisted work was being started immediately to make sure the site was ready in time for spring next year.
The King's Hall will be developed for housing and shops, while the site at the Maze will hold an agricultural centre of excellence as well as the grounds for the annual show.
(NE)
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15 May 2013
Balmoral Show Opens
Ireland's largest agricultural event, the Balmoral Show, opens today, celebrating its 145th anniversary. Over 500 exhibitors and up to 80,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event, which will see a range of trade exhibitions, livestock and events. The Show is organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS).
Balmoral Show Opens
Ireland's largest agricultural event, the Balmoral Show, opens today, celebrating its 145th anniversary. Over 500 exhibitors and up to 80,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event, which will see a range of trade exhibitions, livestock and events. The Show is organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS).
04 January 2013
Maze Site Set For Balmoral Show
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has approved plans to build new showgrounds at the Maze site in time for the Balmoral Show to take place in May. Alex Attwood said: "The Balmoral Show is an important event within Northern Ireland's calendar.
Maze Site Set For Balmoral Show
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has approved plans to build new showgrounds at the Maze site in time for the Balmoral Show to take place in May. Alex Attwood said: "The Balmoral Show is an important event within Northern Ireland's calendar.
19 May 2008
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
03 February 2012
Maze Centre EU Funding Welcomed
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site.
Maze Centre EU Funding Welcomed
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site.
19 May 2010
Stalled Maze Project Costs Over £12M
Close to £12.5m has been spent on redeveloping the site of the former Maze Prison, it has emerged. Since its final closure, a planned development corporation was supposed to consider options regarding the future of the site, but that hasn't happened.
Stalled Maze Project Costs Over £12M
Close to £12.5m has been spent on redeveloping the site of the former Maze Prison, it has emerged. Since its final closure, a planned development corporation was supposed to consider options regarding the future of the site, but that hasn't happened.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.