Plantation folk park for Boom Hall?

LONDONDERRY may get its own Plantation of Ulster folk park at the historic Boom Hall site with regular boat trips from the city centre toing-and-froing tourists and locals to the attraction.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Nov 2010, 12:30 BST

A feasibility study was recently completed for the development of a Plantation (Planter and Gael) Living History Attraction at the Culmore site.

The firm behind the Titanic Signature Project, Causeway Project and Chester Zoo, Jura Consultants Midlothian, with Equal Studio Berkshire were commissioned to deliver the study.

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It is proposed a visitor attraction explaining the history of the plantation could be developed in time for the 400th anniversary of the building of the Walled City 1613-19 and that it might eventually attract 75,000 visitors a year.

A report considered by the Derry City Council Development Committee advised: "Current provision is limited. Plantation is a complex topic.

"Living History is an appropriate technique for interpretation where visitors meet a variety of characters who challenge perspectives and build understanding.

"Living History Attractions in Northern Ireland include the Ulster American Folk Park and the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, both are amongst the most popular fee paying attractions in NI."

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The study also suggested all ages and sectors of the community should be catered for by the attraction.

It suggested the project would support the aims of the Tourism Development Strategy, Regeneration Plan and draft DETI Tourism Strategy and Riverside Master Plan and projected construction costs to be in the region of 4.5m excluding infrastructural costs.

Boom Hall was identified as the most appropriate location given the significant archaeological heritage that exists (site of the Boom, Stables, Walled Garden etc.)

The project team suggested an earth bund building to accommodate the facility to include several pre and plantation dwellings and a legacy of plantation exhibition.

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The site would allow for coach parking and would provide a destination for boat trips from the city centre, as well as destination at the end of the foot and cycle way.

The study reckoned it would attract 45,000 visitors in year 1 with 75,000 in year 5 citing the experience of the Ulster American Folk Park which after 30 years now attracts approximately 150,000 visitors.