Investment at W5 climbs with new exhibit
This weekend W5 unveiled “Climbit”, a brand new signature exhibit soaring three stories high, where visitors can explore a custom designed climbing structure that is part visually elegant three dimensional sculpture – part climbing frame, where children can stretch their muscles, test their limits, take safe risks, and develop confidence in their physical abilities.
W5’s new exhibit was designed by Luckey Climbers, an American company renowned for one-of-a-kind climbing sculptures and the project has been part-funded by Odyssey Trust Company and the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and is supported by Media Partner UTV.
For years, children have been scaling Luckey Climbers in fits of absolute euphoria in children’s museums across the United States, South Korea, Indonesia and recently in Switzerland but this experience has not been available anywhere in the UK or Ireland… until now.
“Thirteen years on, W5 is still at the cutting edge of visitor attractions and the best place in Northern Ireland for a family day out” says Judith Harvey, W5’s General Manager. “With Climbit we are introducing a whole new experience to the heart of the building with a truly iconic exhibit; a one-of-a-kind climbing sculpture that seems to float in space and will fascinate young and old visitors alike. This marks a new phase in the ongoing development of W5 as we are committed to ensuring that our visitors will always find something new to see and do every time they visit.”
Robert Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Odyssey Trust Company added “Climbit is an exciting new first for W5; an exhibit that will enthrall and thrill children of all ages and the first in a rolling programme of development designed to enhance the world-class experience at W5.
2014 is proving another ground-breaking year for tourism in Northern Ireland and, following on from world class events such as Giro d’Italia, NITB is continuing to champion a quality visitor experience by helping to deliver yet another first for visitors to Northern Ireland. Aine Kearney Director of Product Development, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said, “This high quality, innovative facility will not only help to develop and strengthen the tourism infrastructure in Belfast but it will also offer a unique family visitor experience and drive further increases in visitor numbers and spend. I am delighted that NITB is able to provide financial support towards this state-of-the-art attraction.”
