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25/09/2014
Exploris Funding Accepted By Council
A funding package to keep Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry open has been accepted by Ards Borough Council, it is understood.
Earlier this year, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan agreed to provide £914,000 in capital funding, as well as up to £120,000 in annual revenue funding for the popular tourist attraction.
In 2013, the facility was threatened with closure after it was reported to be too costly to run. Thousands of people then supported a campaign to save the centre. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in the region and also hosts a purpose-built seal sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council agreed to the terms of the funding package at a meeting on Wednesday. It now needs to be approved by the new super-council which will eventually take over the running of the centre.
Councillor Philip Smith, Mayor of Ards, is quoted as saying: "I am delighted that it looks like the Exploris facility will be saved, while reducing the financial burden on the Ards ratepayer.
"I am confident that the business plan developed by Ards Borough Council along with the proposed design brief for the rejuvenated facility will create an attractive, informative, fun, and sustainable visitor attraction for the Ards area."
(JP/CD)
Earlier this year, Environment Minister Mark H Durkan agreed to provide £914,000 in capital funding, as well as up to £120,000 in annual revenue funding for the popular tourist attraction.
In 2013, the facility was threatened with closure after it was reported to be too costly to run. Thousands of people then supported a campaign to save the centre. The aquarium is the only one of its kind in the region and also hosts a purpose-built seal sanctuary.
Ards Borough Council agreed to the terms of the funding package at a meeting on Wednesday. It now needs to be approved by the new super-council which will eventually take over the running of the centre.
Councillor Philip Smith, Mayor of Ards, is quoted as saying: "I am delighted that it looks like the Exploris facility will be saved, while reducing the financial burden on the Ards ratepayer.
"I am confident that the business plan developed by Ards Borough Council along with the proposed design brief for the rejuvenated facility will create an attractive, informative, fun, and sustainable visitor attraction for the Ards area."
(JP/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
