48 | THE LOCAL TOURIST


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THE LOCAL TOURIST Work Begins on £5 Million


Transformation of Cathedral Gardens designs. Rainwater will be captured, stored and used to water all the planting within the gardens. Welcoming the start of work, Belfast Lord


WORK has officially began on the £5 million redevelopment of Cathedral Gardens. Belfast City Council aims to transform the area between St Anne’s Cathedral and Ulster University into a unique world class public space. The revamped gardens is set to feature


a large multi-use events space, a new memorial dedicated to the people who died during the Belfast Blitz, a play area inspired by nature and a kids’ interactive digital play zone. It


will include advanced lighting


technology which can be programmed to illuminate the space in different colours, and a projection system which can cast images onto the walls of the adjacent Ulster University building. A mix of mature trees, a lawn, plants and shrubs will bring green space to the city centre, with sustainability central to


Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly said: “The Cathedral


Gardens regeneration project


is both ambitious and innovative. Our aim to create a world class urban space where families, students, workers and visitors can meet, relax and be entertained all year round, both night and day.” Following the work, Cathedral Gardens is expected to reopen in spring 2027.


Aircoach Announce Expansion of 705X Service


AIRCOACH has announced a new expansion of its service network, delivering enhanced connectivity and improving travel options for passengers across the region. The company’s 705X route serves passengers


travelling to both Belfast International and Dublin airports from (L’)Derry and between Belfast, Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre. In response to customer demand, an


enhanced version of this route is set to go live on Sunday 25th January, and will see passengers able to travel between its three (L’) Derry stops and Belfast Grand Central Station for the first time. Previously, passengers travelling from (L’)


Derry could not get off in Grand Central Station as it was a pick up only stop. Now with its enhanced route, customers can travel to and from Grand Central Station from Aircoach’s stops in Drumahoe Park and Ride, Foyleside Coach Park and Maghera with eleven daily services each way, greatly enhancing transport


links between (L’)Derry and Belfast. The enhanced 705X route will also include additional direct services between Belfast and Dublin airport and city, with an extra direct service each way. Aircoach will continue to serve all existing


stops with its enhanced route, setting out to bolster its passenger offering with this additional connectivity. Now operating out of Grand Central Station


(Stand 23 from 5am-11pm and Stand 5 from 11pm-5am), those travelling with Aircoach have access to a central and convenient pick up and drop off location in the heart of Belfast City Centre. Kim Swan, Managing Director of Aircoach


said, “We are committed to meeting the growing demand for reliable and trusted transport across the Island of Ireland.” “The launch of our new and improved 705X


service will ensure our passengers remain both highly connected and receive an unrivalled service that evolves with customer needs.”


£50 Million Investment Secured For Much-Loved NI Museum


Hastings Hotel Achieve ‘Safe To Trade’ Food Safety Accredition


HASTINGS Hotels has achieved ‘Safe to Trade’ approval, an accreditation recognising best practice in food safety. The hotel group is among a limited number of


establishments in Northern Ireland to have been awarded the accreditation, underlining its continued commitment to maintaining high food safety standards across its operations. While all six Hastings Hotels properties already meet


standard food safety accreditation requirements, Safe to Trade approval represents an additional level of assurance. It involves annual independent audits and assessments that extend beyond food hygiene to include allergen management, ingredient information and front-of-house cleanliness.


£500,000 Investment Completed at Culloden Estate and Spa


THE Culloden Estate & Spa has announced the completion of a £500,000 investment in its guestrooms. The upgrade was completed in fourth floor Garden Rooms,


with views across the estate grounds, and has included new soft furnishings, lighting, seating and décor alongside a complete refit of guest bathrooms. Deep greens and terracotta have been paired with soft


lighting, while the bathrooms have been finished in striking marble-effect stone finishes, brushed brass detailing and walk-in rainfall showers. The investment follows a strong year of growth for the


estate, which has included a marked increase in visitors from both the Republic of Ireland and American markets over the last 12 months. Cormac Fadden, General Manager of the Culloden Estate & Spa said: “We are delighted to unveil our newly upgraded


bedrooms, which have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of the estate while balancing timeless luxury with contemporary comfort. Our bedrooms play a central role in the guest experience and this investment underscores our commitment to creating restorative spaces where guests can relax, from elegant interiors to beautifully finished


bathrooms, with wellbeing at the heart of everydesign decision. 2025 was a great year for the Culloden, with continued


growth across key markets and sustained demand for luxurious, experience-led stays. Ongoing investment in our bedrooms, facilities and our team ensures we are well positioned for the next phase of growth. We look forward to continuing to evolve the Estate as a destination defined by timeless elegance, intuitive service with a deeply personal approach to luxury


whilst exceeding the expectations of our guests.”


COMMUNITIES Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £50million investment in the Ulster Folk Museum. The funding will support the delivery of the Reawakening project – a pivotal opportunity to improve the Ulster Folk Museum’s facilities, enhance access to collections and strengthen the museum’s role in helping people connect with their heritage. Speaking on the announcement, the


Minister highlighted, “For more than 60 years, the Ulster Folk Museum has preserved, shared and celebrated the traditions, skills and ways of life of the people of Ulster, past and present, and this investment is vital to ensure our heritage is retained for future generations. “The Reawakening Project will see


the Ulster Folk Museum transform to a multi-layered heritage and environment resource, which sustains more relevant and active connections with its audiences. This marks a profound shift in the museum’s positioning. The Reawakening is not just about


reinvestment – it’s about reimagining the museum’s purpose to ensure it thrives for the next 25 years and beyond as a vibrant, relevant and indispensable resource for society.” The project will be funded by £40million through the


Department for Communities and £10million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – the biggest grant from this fund in Northern Ireland in a decade. National Museums NI is also working with a number of funding trusts and philanthropists to explore other sources of funding, recognising the very significant benefits this project delivers and in line with the Framework for the Department’s Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme. Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive


of National Museums NI, said, “The Ulster Folk Museum has had limited investment for decades, and some of its facilities are no longer fit for purpose. Our Reawakening project will deliver lasting and measurable social and economic value. We have been advocating Ulster Folk Museum’s potential as a


heritage asset for a number of years. “We are also grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund


for their instrumental support on our journey." “The Ulster Folk Museum’s collection is a people’s


collection. It has never been more relevant to our lives than today. These objects and stories reflect shared experiences and different traditions from across Ulster and help people better understand who we all are. This co-ordinated investment allows us to prioritise the themes of identity, the environment, and learning and skills, across the museum experience, ensuring Ulster Folk Museum will serve communities for generations to come.” Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National


Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s wonderful to see National Museums NI bring together a funding package that will reawaken the much-loved Ulster Folk Museum. Thanks to National Lottery players we’re able to commit £10million that so far has helped lay the groundwork and will now deliver this visionary project that will connect people to heritage that is accessible, relevant, sustainable and valued. “At the same time as improving facilities, opening up collections and focussing on the natural environment, the project provides opportunities for creating and sustaining jobs and sharing heritage and craft skills alongside learning experiences for all ages."


February 2026


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