Project Timeline
2011
Official opening of the new theatre.
2009
Approvals granted by key funders to sign construction contract
Construction begins on site.
Fundraising campaign continues.
The "Threshold Stone" of the new theatre is unveiled by Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney at a ceremony attended by fellow poet Michael Longley and composer, Neil Martin.
2008
Old theatre closes and company decants to offsite offices.
£2 million raised, including a pledge of £1.25 million from Belfast City Council.
Fundraising campaign reaches 95% of the £17.5 million project costs, the target set by key funders before construction can commence.
Planning Application submitted and approved.
Gateway Review (Healthcheck Level 3) successfully completed.
Demolition followed by site clearance and preparatory works.
2007
£1.5 million raised from trusts, donors and corporate sponsors.
Design stages C and D completed.
Additional funding of £3.23 million pledged by DCAL.
Gilbert Ash appointed as preferred contractor in a two stage process.
2006
Design team formally appointed.
Strategic review and design development.
£700,000 raised from trusts and donors.
2005
Updated business case approved.
Funding of £6 million pledged by DCAL.
£500,000 raised from trusts and donors.
2004
Submission to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) for capital funding.
Additional work required by DCAL on business case.
Revised business case submitted.
£750,000 raised from trusts and foundations.
2003
Open design competition won by O’Donell & Tuomey.
Fundraising campaign commences.
Funding of £2 million pledged by the Lottery Arts Fund.