Titanic Exhibition Centre to close after severe weather damage

The Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC) in Belfast is to close permanently after nine years.

The 6,000 sqm centre has been used for a number of exhibitions, trade shows and large-scale events.

The decision to shut the centre was taken after recent storm damage.

Work to dismantle the venue has already begun, with the exterior being completely removed.

The centre has been run by TBL International, which also operates Titanic Belfast and the SS Nomadic.

The company took the decision to reduce operations in the centre in December, as first reported by the Belfast Telegraph on Tuesday.

In statement TBL International said: "Despite an ongoing programme of maintenance at the venue, the increase in severe inclement weather over the past numbers of years and the recent storms in January and April, have had a detrimental impact on the fabric of the venue.

"The team at TBL International have been working with its longstanding clients over the past few months to secure alternative venues for their future events".

The centre, situated in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, first opened in September 2015 after planning permission was granted in June of that year.

At the time of opening, Gerry Lennon of Visit Belfast said the centre would ensure "that Belfast maintains its position as a leading events and exhibitions destination".

Since then, it has hosted popular events such as The Wedding Journal Show, the Belfast Marathon Expo and recent election counts.

In 2021 the space which has a capacity of 6,000 people, was used as a mass vaccination centre to help with the roll-out of Covid-19 booster jabs.

A number of future events that were planned to take place in the TEC have been moved to other venues.