A truly 'Titanic' construction project is well underway in Belfast - and this one is not inclined to ending in disaster.

NI Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has visited the site of the new Titanic Signature Building to see how construction is progressing.

Construction at the £97million development began in May last year and the facility will open in April 2012 in time to mark the centenary of the Titanic's maiden voyage.

Minister Foster said: "Since my last visit to the site six months ago there has been tremendous progress to create a truly world class tourist attraction for Northern Ireland.

"It is very clear that construction is now well underway and I welcome the progress made to date by Titanic Foundation Ltd and their construction contractor Harcourt Construction (NI) Limited."

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She added: "This building will be a landmark tourism, leisure and cultural facility bringing significant social and economic benefits. Tourism is a key driver for our economy and we are working towards a new tourism strategy with challenging targets to increase visitor numbers, the amount they spend and the overall earnings from tourism.

"It is estimated that the Titanic Signature Building will attract around 400,000 visitors annually, of which between 130,000 and 165,000 will be from outside Northern Ireland," she explained.

Dr Bryan Gregory, Chief Executive, Titanic Foundation Ltd, commented: "At almost twice the size of Belfast's City Hall, the Signature Building will be a 'must see' tourist attraction for Northern Ireland.

"A large, interactive 'Titanic Experience' exhibition will tell the story of Belfast's maritime and industrial heritage at the turn of the 1900s against the backdrop of the creation, building, launch, maiden voyage and tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic.

"Other facilities will include a community exhibition space, a 750-cover 'Titanic themed' banqueting suite, and general retail and catering areas in the open plan and accessible ground floor," he continued.

Concluding, Minister Foster said: "During these difficult times the Northern Ireland economy is already benefiting from this project, with 10 of the 11 subcontracts awarded to date going to local firms, together with additional businesses here being involved in their supply chains.

"Additional economic benefits will result from a rise in indirect employment in other sectors."

(NS/BMcC)