A major £2.5million scheme to restore the Gatehouse and Governor's corridor at Belfast's historic Crumlin Road Gaol is to commence shortly.

The restoration of these buildings will create the potential for much improved facilities for visitors to the Gaol such as exhibits room, gift shop, café and modern waiting areas.

A 170-seat conference theatre in the former prison chapel and educational interactive IT areas will be available for use by the local community, schools and businesses in north Belfast and beyond.

This scheme adds to a number of conservation projects that have already been undertaken to preserve the Grade A listed Gaol buildings.

The repair of the Gaol roof and walls as well as the 35-meter high ventilation chimney is also planned.

The Gaol entrance at Summer Street, including the roadway at that part of Summer Street is also due to be refurbished. This will provide a more pleasing environment for local residents in that area.

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Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: "The Gaol received over 27,000 visitors during its 2009 tour programme. The restoration of this part of the Gaol and the new facilities and improved accessibility this will provide will undoubtedly attract more people to visit and use the Gaol.

"The Gaol is a great community asset and these improvements will be of benefit to the North Belfast ple. A key element of this scheme is that, in addition to the contractor’s existing workforce working on the project, the contractor is required to provide an additional two full time jobs for the long term unemployed and one apprenticeship."

First Minister, Peter Robinson added: "It is important that Government supports the construction industry as far as is possible in the present economic climate. This restoration scheme secures a number of jobs for the contractor concerned as well as creating new jobs during the construction phase and also when the project is completed.

"This work increases the value of the Gaol as a tourist destination both locally and for the region as a whole," he said.

Work is due to commence on site in August 2010 with a completion due in autumn 2011. Due to the extent of this project and other pending conservation projects it will not be possible to keep the Gaol open to the public during this time.

However, following the completion of the Gatehouse and Governor's Corridor, the Gaol will be more accessible for people with disabilities, facilities for visitors will be greatly improved and the tour experience enhanced as the grade A listed building is opened up for increased community, education and business benefit.

(NS/GK)