Playing a key role in the campaign to save Northern Ireland’s only aquarium from complete closure, Kellie said Alliance has always stood firm in the face of opposition to fight for this tourist attraction to remain in place.
Councillor Kellie Armstrong said: “This is fantastic news for the Ards Peninsula – another significant boost coming not long after it was confirmed the Portaferry Hotel was to re-open.
“Exploris is a vital part of the Strangford Constituency’s tourist economy especially the Ards Peninsula where the impact of the closure over the past few years has seen many local businesses struggle, but hopefully 2016 will see a real turnaround for them.
“I want to thank all of those involved especially the ‘Friends of Exploris’ group and the local community for their hard work and dedication and for never giving up on the goal to see Exploris re-opened. With work due to be completed in July 2016, I look forward to seeing the site reinstated as a key tourist destination for both the Ards Peninsula and the whole borough.”