Tourist Board award for the Island Arts Centre

Jim Rea, director of Leisure Services, Mags White, Island Arts Centre, and Alderman Paul Porter, chair of Leisure Services, after the arts centre was awarded a four-star rating under the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's visitor attraction grading scheme. US1421-541cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

To achieve a star-rating the Island Arts Centre was subject to rigorous and independent assessment by a mystery visitor.

The Island Arts Centre scored very highly in all areas.

Commenting on the award, Alderman Paul Porter said: “This four star status is well- deserved recognition of the warmth of welcome and high level of visitor experience and customer service enjoyed by all who visit Island Arts Centre as it reinforces the Council’s vision to deliver an exceptional and inspirational experience for all visitors.”

Siobhan McCormick, Arts Service Manager of Lisburn City Council said: “The Arts Service Team is delighted with this award.

“We firmly believe all our patrons should receive a consistent and positive experience and in doing so people keep coming back to the Arts Centre and the city.

“We are certainly looking forward to welcoming visitors from all across Northern Ireland and further afield to the Island over the summer months.

“The Visitor Attraction Quality Grading Scheme is designed to give visitors a clear idea of the standards of hospitality, service, they can expect during their visit to an attraction.

“They also assist operators to maintain and improve the quality of their service.”