Refurbished displays, interactive exhibits and personal accounts bring the port’s rich maritime and industrial history to life at the Corporation Square Harbour Office

Belfast Harbour has officially re-opened the Heritage Room at the Harbour Office on Corporation Square following a significant refurbishment and modernisation.

The room showcases the history of Port and its role in the historical development of city and the surrounding area.

The updated Heritage Room features new displays that showcase different events throughout the development of Belfast Harbour, from its rich maritime and industrial past to its modern-day impact, including the key role it plays in the ongoing social and economic development of Belfast.

placeholder image — The Heritage Room at the Harbour Office, Belfast Harbour

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Highlights of the new Heritage Room include personal testimonials from William Barnett of W&R Barnett, former Harbour Commissioner Dame Rotha Johnston, and Terry McKeown from Sailortown Regeneration Group, as well as Dan Sten Olsson of Stena Line, which are featured on new digital displays. The room also tells the story of the establishment of the port in Belfast and key milestones narrated by local actor Dan Gordon on interactive displays as well as maps depicting the development of the Port.

Officially reopening the room, Dr Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said: “As Belfast Harbour Commissioners, we have a crucial role as custodians of this organisation. We are responsible not only for helping shape Belfast Harbour's future, but also for preserving and protecting its legacy.

“This Heritage Room serves as a reminder that today's decisions become tomorrow's history. The story we celebrate here did not happen by accident. Our responsibility is to build on that legacy and ensure that future generations can look back on this period with the same sense of pride.”

The room will be open as a public gallery during the Harbour Office’s opening hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, on European heritage weekends and any additional opening hours communicated via Belfast Harbour’s official social media accounts.