South Belfast’s Crescent Arts Centre is set to get a further £2million towards the redevelopment of its historic University Road building from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), it has been revealed.

The news was announced this week by Arts Minister Gregory Campbell during a visit to the Crescent’s temporary premises on the Ormeau Road.

“I am pleased to announce an additional £2million funding to add to the £2.5million awarded for the refurbishment of the Centre in 2005,” said Mr Campbell.

“This £4.5million investment represents a major investment for the artistic and cultural infrastructure of Belfast.

“The Crescent Arts Centre is an excellent facility which places the arts at the centre of the community. The arts have a critical role to play in rebuilding communities, helping to strengthen spirit and build a sense of pride in a place.

“The arts can take many different forms and the Crescent Arts Centre has always sought to deliver a wide variety of innovative arts activities that include art, dance, music, language and drama. I look forward to seeing this beautiful Victorian building

restored to its former glory when the centre re-opens in 2010.”

It was initially thought the refurbishment would cost £5m when the project was first announced a few years ago. The project will now cost just over £7m, with other money coming from the Arts Council and Lottery Fund.