Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney has unveiled a 'Threshold Stone' at the site of Belfast's new Lyric Theatre.

Its installation marks the commencement of works at the Ridgeway Street state-of-the-art development.

Standing on the recently-laid foundations of the new building, Mr Heaney said: "The renovation of the Lyric Theatre is a reminder of the vital artistic achievement in the past and the promise of ongoing creative vigour in the future.

"The renewal of the fabric of the building stands for the kind of social and psychic renewal that the entire community aspires to."

Welcoming guests to the milestone event, Mark Carruthers, Lyric Chairman, said: "The unveiling of this Threshold Stone is a statement of intent for the Lyric’s future.

"In our new home we can introduce more people to live theatre than ever before and we can stage world class productions of important work in a way that, up to now, we might only have dreamed of."

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The Lyric launched plans for its new theatre in 2003 and embarked on a major fundraising campaign.

To date, over 95% of the £18m project costs has been secured, with a final £800,000 still to be raised to pay for fit-out and equipment.

The project has attracted significant capital investment from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and a wide range of private philanthropists and corporate sponsors, many of whom were represented at today’s event.

DCAL Minister, Nelson McCausland said: "This new building will have an impact on cultural, artistic and creative life not just in Belfast but throughout Northern Ireland and beyond.

"Investment in culture and the arts brings many dividends, including its contribution to physical, economic and social regeneration."

Rosemary Kelly, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: "The opening of the Lyric’s new building in 2011 will mark a much anticipated new chapter in the theatre’s history.

"The improved venue will meet the growing demands of local audiences, bringing the theatre’s facilities up to an international standard and providing Belfast with an outstanding new drama space which it can truly be proud of."

Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long added: "This project is a wonderful example of how we can strive to achieve my vision of a Belfast without barriers where everyone, whatever their background, can embrace the diversity of our city's cultural offering."

(PR/GK)