HLF’s investment in Northern Ireland’s heritage, which has reached a colossal £135million, has transformed the cultural offering of the city and the Crescent Arts Centre joins a host of other HLF supported projects, including the Ulster Museum, Ulster Hall and St George’s Market, on the ‘must-see’ list of local visitor attractions.     

The Crescent Arts Centre, which officially reopened in April, benefited from an HLF grant of £447,000 to support the restoration and refurbishment of the 135 year-old landmark building. Now fully restored and with double its former capacity, thousands of local people are expected to enjoy the hundreds of classes, workshops, events, exhibitions and festivals that will be held at the Crescent throughout the year.

Dame Jenny also visited the Ulster Museum to view the new galleries and visitor facilities, which were upgraded thanks to an HLF grant of £4.7million, the largest awarded made by the Fund in Northern Ireland. Boasting a new 23metre welcome zone, learning discovery zones, a spectacular 'Window on Our World' exhibition and new science and history galleries, the refurbishment has enabled the museum to re-interpret its collections, bringing them to life for new audiences and is now a contemporary space for people to explore and discover their heritage.

The visit to Northern Ireland comes as many more HLF supported projects are celebrating success, highlighting the impact HLF funding has made locally. On Wednesday evening, the new South Asian Dance Academy project, which will share the cultural heritage of the historically important South Asian dance form of Kathka with up to 500 local people, was launched amidst colourful dances performances in Belfast. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its restoration, St George’s Market will host a series of workshops, demonstrations and event this Friday, Saturday, and for the first time ever, Sunday, as part of the ‘Market Memories’ project. 

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. 

Since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £135 million to projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland on 07733 100 674 or julieh@hlf.org.uk