Construction works on a large park and ride facility to facilitate the influx of thousands of visitors to a new multi-million pound Game of Thrones attraction is Banbridge has got underway.
The parking provision is to be built adjacent to the Boulevard retail complex for up to 350 vehicles in order to avoid visitors driving directly to the site, 3.5km east of town centre.
The new Game of Thrones studio tour is expected, when opened, to employ up to 200 people and provide a £400 million tourist spend boost for NI by 2030.
A detailed analysis into the potential socio-economic impact of the new tourism venture has revealed that it will operate 12 hours per day, seven days a week, and is expected to attract up to 600,000 visitors per year.
The total investment in the project is expected to be around £23.7m.
Alliance Councillor, Brian Pope, says it is fantastic to see construction works begin in the area.
The Banbridge Councillor, who is also chair of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration committee, said: “I am delighted that construction works have commenced on the new park and ride for the Game of Thrones Tour in Banbridge.
“This attraction presents a huge opportunity to help revitalise our local economy and strong linkages with our town centre are absolutely vital.
“Our future is optimistic and bright, and there are so many possibilities for local tourism in the years ahead.”
Read more: Studio says £24m Game of Thrones attraction will open in 2021 after approval granted
