Seven local firms have been invited to tender for a huge restoration project at one of Co Down's best known listed properties.

NI Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has revealed that each of the firms have successfully completed the first stage of the tendering process to restore and refurbish Cultra Manor.

The £3m Cultra Manor restoration will be a major building project. The Minister said: "Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) within my department has assessed the returned Pre Qualification Questionnaires and has invited seven shortlisted firms to tender for the prestigious contract.

"The contract to restore and refurbish the Grade B listed Cultra Manor, at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, to its original Edwardian design, aims to fulfil its commercial potential as a premier facility for public programmes and corporate events," he commented.

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CPD, on behalf of its Client, National Museums Northern Ireland, has also recently awarded a £40,000 commission through its consultancy framework to McAdam Design for the interior design of Cultra Manor.

Mr Wilson continued: "These two contracts demonstrate the range of government procurement opportunities available, from major construction projects, to supplies and services contracts for the public sector.

"I would encourage local SMEs to sign up and register their details with the e-sourcingNI to ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities on offer," he continued.

Details of all current and up-coming opportunities are available at the Central Procurement Directorate e-sourcing portal at

www.e-sourcingni.bravosolution.com or visit www.dfpni.gov.uk for links to all Centres of Procurement Expertise.

(BMcC/KMcA)