A new outdoor, interactive, visitor experience in Belfast has been given the green light.
The Maritime Belfast Trust said the new SoundYard would bring to life part of the city's maritime heritage story, along the Maritime Mile, through sound.
The all-weather structure will be located on the waterside, next to the Odyssey and Abercorn Marina, which was once the site of a brass foundry and Kelly’s Coal yards.
The design and sound were inspired by the noise of striking metal emanating from old shipyards.
Children will be able to enjoy the sensory experience whilst playing within the structure while adults connect with the sound and interpretation within the site.
In response to ongoing Covid-19 guidelines, the installation, due to open to the public later this year, will be activated by motion sensors to avoid children touching the apparatus.
The structure’s design was the winning submission of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects Early Career CityPlay Design competition in 2019 and was designed by talented young architects, Hannah Wilson, Matthew Kernan and Eunan Deeney.
Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast Trust, said the SoundYard "aims to create a new bespoke play experience along the Maritime Mile and will also attract local communities and reconnect them with the city’s iconic waterfront, especially during these difficult times.
"It brings the heritage and story of the former shipyard into the heart of Belfast, a community that has contributed so much to our maritime economy past and present," she said.
