A major museum project in Northern Ireland has made a substantial development in its creation, it has been announced by the local council this week.
The Derry North Atlantic (DNA) project has now progressed to the detail design stage, with an artist impression revealing the exterior of the future Derry visitor experience.
The development is set to showcase Northern Ireland’s rich maritime heritage, featuring Derry City and Strabane District Council’s extensive naval collection, dating back to the Second World War.
Along with maritime exhibits, other historical and cultural items will be based at the new museum premises. The new hub is set to split in different zones, include galleries, archive reading rooms and learning areas. A café and shop will also be housed at the facility.
The new centre will fittingly be built at the former Army Hospital site in the heart of Derry.
£11 million for the new attraction has been secured by joint efforts from the local council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and Galewest Investments LTD. Discussions for extra funding is currently taking place between Tourism Ni, NI Executive Office and the Department for Communities.
Commenting on the project budget, a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “the council continues to explore all funding opportunities for this key strategic tourism facility, including the opportunities which will be afforded by our City Deal.
“The museum remains a key attraction within the new Tourism Strategy for the City and District and Council will continue to work closely with all our partners in both government and the tourism industry to ensure its successful delivery as soon as the necessary funds are made available.”
Its yet to be revealed when the new facility may open.
Elsewhere, the UK’s first overnight elephant stay is set to launch at West Midlands Safari Park next year.
