New virtual reality experience project for the Gateway Centre

Visitors to Antrim’s Lough Shore will be able to ‘Embrace the Giant Spirit’ of the location through a new virtual reality experience.
Antrim Lough ShoreAntrim Lough Shore
Antrim Lough Shore

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is developing a new attraction at the Gateway Centre at a cost of more than £100,000.

The zone will contain equipment for up to 10 people at a time to enjoy the experience on motion chairs with the virtual reality experience delivered by headsets.

An application for funding of £75,000 will be submitted to Tourism NI for the Gateway Virtual Reality Experience with the sum of £37,500 to be provided by the borough council.

The project is part of an initiative being promoted by Tourism NI to support tourism recovery from the Covid pandemic by developing and enhancing new visitor experiences.

Tourism NI believes that the domestic market will be key to the sector’s recovery.

Speaking at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Monday evening, Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch said that the development was “very welcome”.

Ulster Unionist Glengormley councillor Alderman Mark Cosgrove commented that he was “very happy to second” the proposal.

“We know that this is one of the areas that has taken such a substantial hit in the current situation. It is good we can support the recovery of the sector in the borough,” he added.

Read Antrim and Newtownabbey’s Covid recovery plan story here

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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