Business First December 2017 December BF Digital | Page 6

Iod Northern Ireland Launches
Professional Directorate Series
Odyssey Pavilion
to be transformed
in refurbishment
elfast’s Odyssey Pavilion is to undergo a
£10 million refurbishment, following
the submission of a new planning
application.
The news comes on the back of planning
permission this week for the first phase of
redevelopment, which includes a new main
entrance to the Odyssey Pavilion, upgrade of
public realm and reconfiguration of the
existing retail units.
Phase two of the redevelopment will see
further significant improvements to the
Pavilion including improved visitor access to
all levels and the greater use of the central
open space.
The scheme is estimated to cost £10 million
and hundreds of jobs are expected to be
created during the construction phase as well
as many long­term jobs created in the new
units.
Guy Hollis from the applicant, Matagorda 2
Ltd said, “We are delighted to be able to
rejuvenate the Odyssey Pavilion, bringing it
back to being a key component of Belfast’s
leisure and entertainment offering. Our key
objective is to improve the overall visual
quality and tenant offering of the Pavilion,
making it a more attractive and user friendly
destination.”
“The scheme will help in the ongoing and
successful regeneration of the Titanic Quarter
and drive additional footfall to this part of the
city.”
Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO The Odyssey Trust
Company said, “For some years , the Odyssey
Pavilion has suffered from under investment
in comparison to W5 and the SSE Arena. It is
now very heartening to see the new owner
make a strong long­term commitment to
what is an extremely important asset for the
people of Northern Ireland. The Odyssey
Trust looks forward to this investment in the
pavilion and the progression through
planning to refurbishment.”
B
Kirsty McManus with Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at Arthur Cox and John Hansen, Partner in
Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland,
he Institute of Directors Northern
Ireland (IoD NI) has launched a new
Professional Directorate series aimed at
raising boardroom standards at firms across
the economy.
The series, delivered in partnership with
Arthur Cox and KPMG, provides a range of
seminars aimed at executive and non­
executive directors.
The workshops will be delivered by experts
from the legal and business advisory firms,
with subjects to include company law and
risk management, among others.
Events include The Effective Board series
while there will also be sessions for The
Competent Non­Executive, aimed at more
experienced directors seeking to share their
expertise and knowledge with new and
growing businesses.
IoD NI National Director, Kirsty McManus,
said: “More than ever, senior business leaders
and directors must invest time in their own
professional development.
“Our partnership with Arthur Cox and
KPMG provides cutting­edge updates for
directors to ensure they are legally compliant
and embed best practice into their
organisation.
“The series, which is open to members and
non­members, grants those in attendance
access to the leading experts in their fields
across a range of subjects critical to ensuring
the effectiveness of company boards.”
Kieran McGarrigle, Finance Partner at
T
4
www.businessfirstonline.co.uk
Arthur Cox, said: “Arthur Cox has a long­
standing relationship with the IoD and we are
delighted to continue that support through
the Professional Directorate series.
“We are passionate about the role we play
in professional development, and our team is
looking forward to delivering sessions that
will help directors gain an invaluable insight
into strategic business leadership.
“We share the IoD’s commitment to
improving corporate governance and
initiatives such as the Professional
Directorate series benefit the wider economy
as well as those businesses taking part.”
John Hansen, Partner in Charge of KPMG in
Northern Ireland, added: “We very much
welcome this opportunity to partner with the
IoD in delivering this new Professional
Directorate series.
“The programme of events will provide
directors with an invaluable set of tools to
further the success, not only of their own
business, but of the Northern Ireland
economy as a whole.
“We look forward to getting our people
involved in sharing their expertise at these
workshops over the coming months, and to
playing our part in equipping local directors
with the knowledge and skills needed to
embrace the challenges and opportunities
that lie ahead in their business.”
For more information about the series and
how to book a place, visit www.iod.com/ni.