PART of the Odyssey Pavilion in Belfast has closed as a £17 million redevelopment project kicks into gear.
Private investor Matagorda 2 is behind the major upgrade, which will accommodate ten new restaurants and bars.
While part of the pavilion will close from today, attractions including W5, Odyssey Cinemas and Odyssey Bowl will all remain open with new temporary access points.
Matagorda 2, which is backed by Deutsche Bank, acquired the long lease for the Odyssey Pavilion in 2016. It has planning approval for up to 16 units, along with a new health club, hospitality suite and a climbing wall.
The private equity firm, which began its 17-month construction project in October, is eyeing late Spring 2021 for the completion of the work, which will see the existing mezzanine level in the Odyssey removed and rebuilt.
The Odyssey Trust, the site’s landlord, has already commissioned a £4.5m upgrade of the W5 science exhibition, with work now under way.
The partnership between Matagorda 2 and the Trust is geared toward transforming into a new family-oriented visitor attraction.
The UK’s largest cinema operator, Cineworld, and the UK’s largest bowl operator, Hollywood Bowl, have already been confirmed as the first anchor tenants.
The current bowling centre will close late in 2020 to allow for a 20 lane refit. The cinema will undergo a rolling fit out programme.
Ballymena firm Martin & Hamilton has been awarded the build contract, with more than 80 construction jobs involved in the project. The work is being project managed by real estate consultants Hollis.
Guy Hollis, consultant for Matagorda 2, said the work will cause minimal disruption for visitors.
“Our reconfiguration of the site will bring Odyssey in line with some of the best one site leisure destinations in the world. We are pleased that when we revealed our plans that they were met with really positive feedback and we know that these changes will bring welcome additions to the entertainment options in Belfast.”
Eric Porter, chair of The Odyssey Trust Company, added: “This is the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for Odyssey and we are pleased to be working alongside Matagorda 2 as they deliver this project. We have put in place new directional signage so that visitors will easily be able to find the temporary entrances.”
