Belfast Waterfront opened for business in 1997 and has played a key role in Belfast’s economic and social development since then. Many jobs were created as part of this development as well as ongoing operation. The city is now recognized as a major European destination for conferencing, culture and business investment. This is the premiere facility in the city with many shows, restaurants and bars coming to the area as a result. This entire area is an example of what can happen when a city follows a revitalization of its core downtown area. It takes commitment by city leaders as well as consumers to make these types of things a success, and the Irish certainly have demonstrated this commitment.
Waterfront Hall – Belfast – What They Offer
They advertise that they are an award-winning, purpose-built conference, arts and entertainment center offering a variety of facilities including:
- Main Auditorium
- Studio
- 14 meeting rooms
- gallery space
- gift shop
- restaurant
- two bars.
As well as hosting events, they serve local residents and provide community groups with access to truly world-class facilities.
Waterfront Hall employees 50 full-time employees and more than 100 casual members of staff.
To date, they have:
- welcomed more than 5.5 million visitors
- hosted more than 2,400 national and international conferences
- staged more than 3,800 arts and entertainment events
- sold more than 3.5 million tickets
- attracted more than 100,000 overseas conference delegates.
Here are some facts about the Belfast Waterfront:
- the building opened to the public on 17 January 1997 after 15 years of planning and consultation and three years of building work
- it was officially opened in May 1997 by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales
- Belfast Waterfront cost £32 million to build
- the Main Auditorium seats 2,223 people
- the Studio seats 380 people
- it offers 14 meeting rooms, two bars, one restaurant and one shop
- they employ 50 permanent members of staff and more than 100 casual employees.
Over the past 12 years, Belfast Waterfront has:
- staged more than 3,800 performances
- hosted more than 2,400 conferences and meetings
- sold more than 3.5 million tickets
- welcomed more than 5.5 million visitors
- contributed £575 million to the local economy
- generated £10 to the local economy for every £1 spent on operational costs
- attracted more than 100,000 overseas conference delegates
- been voted number 1 in The Times ‘Top Things To Do This Festive Season’ for our 2006 Christmas pantomime.
Artists who have performed in the venue include:
- Dolly Parton
- Ronan Keating
- James Brown
- Van Morrison
- Beverley Knight
- Tom Jones
- Shirley Bassey
- Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
- Lesley Garrett
- Billy Connolly.
Other famous visitors include:
- His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales
- Taoiseach Bertie Ahern
- former Prime Minister Tony Blair
- former US President Bill Clinton
- Cherie Booth QC
- President Mary McAleese
- Dalai Lama.
This is one location that tourists should take some time to visit while in Belfast Ireland. For more things to do in Ireland, click here.