Mid and East Antrim Council has announced that funding of almost £13.6 million has been secured to redevelop The Gobbins.

Once completed the attraction is set to draw up to 225,000 visitors from outside Northern Ireland each year.

Plans include a 60 metre high panoramic stepway, upgrades to the clifftop path, the development of a new Welcome Hub, and improved visitor features. Virtual reality technology will also be included to allow a faully inclusive experience.

The Gobbins Phase II was formally approved when an Outline Business Case received the green light from funders through the Belfast Region City Deal. The funding investment will be £12.6m and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will also contribute to the project, which is set to total almost £13.6m.

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The Gobbins Phase II is one of three initiatives in Mid and East Antrim that, collectively, will benefit from more than £80 million investment from the Belfast Region City Deal.

When complete, The Gobbins Phase II is expected to grow the Northern Ireland economy by approximately £9.5m per year.

Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, said: "City and Growth Deal projects represent a massive opportunity to drive sustained economic sub-regional growth. The Gobbins Phase II will enhance this already beautiful tourist attraction to a local and global audience, further promoting the tourist offering this island has to offer."

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: "These stunning artist impressions really bring to life the transformational impact that Belfast Region City Deal will have on what is one of Mid and East Antrim’s – and indeed Northern Ireland’s – most important and cherished tourism assets.

"Alongside addressing operational, health and safety and capacity considerations, the project will unlock the vast potential of The Gobbins, significantly increasing capacity and making it a more complete and enjoyable visitor experience."

"The Gobbins Phase II will enable us to further deliver a world-class, authentic attraction that will help boost our area’s domestic and international visitor numbers. We anticipate that this will lead to increased overnight stays and out of state visitors and leverage additional investment into the overall visitor experience in the Borough."