Belfast: Planning granted for new Titanic Quarter exhibition centre

The Titanic Exhibition Centre pavilion will be constructed opposite the Titanic Studios

Planning permission has been granted for a new exhibition centre in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

Work will begin immediately, ahead of the first event in September.

The 120m-long structure will be temporary, but could later become a permanent fixture.

The Titanic Exhibition Centre pavilion will be constructed opposite the Titanic Studios and have capacity for 20,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors.

"Given the level of interest generated, we are confident that a permanent centre, similar to Glasgow's Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre or Dublin's RDS, will follow," said Conal Harvey, Titanic Quarter's executive vice-chairman.

It is seen as providing alternative exhibition space to what has previously been provided by the King's Hall.

Titanic Quarter announced the plan earlier this year, but Belfast City Council has now approved planning at a special sitting.