Issue 66 - Belfast BT4 • BT5 • BT16
Iconic East Belfast Building to get cash injection. The iconic East Belfast Strand Arts Centre is to be awarded £768,069 worth of UK- wide National Lottery Heritage funding earmarked for the saving and restoration of historic buildings and monuments The funding will enable a complete restoration of Northern Ireland’s oldest cinema. The cinema building and décor is a striking example of art deco style. The restoration project for the cinema and Arts Centre, which is located on the Holywood Road in East Belfast, is being led by Belfast City Council and the Strand Arts Centre. Clive Watson, Assistant Route Manager at Translink joins pupils from Victoria Park Primary along with Art Co-Ordinator Vikki Jenkins and Classroom Assistant Tracy Mornin to unveil new public artwork created by pupils from Victoria Park Primary School, illustrating the places, history and landmarks they are most proud of in their local area.
Local School Children to Showcase Community Through Art
As part of Translink’s commitment to connecting communities, the public transport company recently engaged with pupils from Victoria Park Primary School who helped to create artwork illustrating the places, history and landmarks they are most proud of in their local area. The colourful mural is now on display at Sydenham Rail halt for passengers to enjoy. Commenting on the vibrant artwork, Clive Watson, Assistant Route Manager at Translink said, “We’re proud to be a key part of the local community in East Belfast and know how important our rail connections are to people
who work, study and live here. We wanted to highlight some of the other wellknown landmarks which make this area home to so many, so we asked pupils at Victoria Park Primary to create artwork to showcase what’s important to them. The results were even better than we could have expected and are full of life and
colour.” Vikki Jenkins, Art CoOrdinator at Victoria Park Primary School, added, “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed researching, planning and creating their artwork to depict the places they feel represent their local community. It’s fantastic to see the artwork on display for everyone to
enjoy and we really hope it helps brighten people’s day as they either wait on a train, arrive on the platform or are simply passing through and get a glimpse of places in East Belfast we’re so proud to be part of.” For more information about Translink stations and services, visit www. translink.co.uk
It aims to not only save this iconic venue but, also to transform it into a valued heritage asset! Plans include a “living museum” experience of a prewar cinema, complete with the restoration of key 1935 architectural features, period-style decor, and engaging interpretive designs that unlock Northern Ireland’s cinema heritage.