Twenty First Century |
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The Twenty First Century has seen increasing confidence in the permanence of peace in Northern Ireland. The region invested in a number of civic venues and theatres to celebrate the Millennium and the finest of these, in Armagh, is an elegant modern building of classical proportion within a historic, predominately Georgian, square.
A housing boom, north and south of the Border, in the early years of the century, came to a sudden end in 2008 with the worldwide economic downturn. The effects have been particularly severe in this region which is taking a long time to rebalance. Part of this rebalancing is the encouragement of tourism in the region. This is significantly under achieving in comparison with nearby regions. Investments in heritage, marketing, cross border links, and iconic public works all seek to redress this deficit. The Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre in Co. Antrim, designed following an International competition, reflects this ambition. The Peace Bridge in Derry~Londonderry has provided a similar impetus to this historic city, symbolising its re-emergence and confidence in the future. It was particularly important during its 2013 City of Culture year. Complementing this strategic investment has been a significant patronage of high quality architecture by arts organisations. The Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast, the MAC and the Lyric Theatre in the same city and the Waterside Theatre, the Playhouse and An Culturlan in Derry and the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny have all commissioned new buildings or confident modern extensions. All of this work helps to create the impression of an urbane and confident region which is well placed to utilise and celebrate the legacy of its past and to develop this well in the future. |
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Marketplace Theatre, Armagh, 2000.
Giants Causeway Visitor Centre, Co Antrim, 2012.
Peace Bridge, Derry~Londonderry, 2011.
Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 2011.
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