Exploris must have a sustainable future

Exploris must have a sustainable future

20 August 2014

EXPLORIS must be made sustainable for the future with an effective business plan and management structure.

That is the view of the Conservative Party’s Northern Ireland economy spokesman, Johnny Andrews, who has made the appeal to Ards Borough Council.

“Last week there was a high profile announcement about Executive funding for the aquarium to the tune of £900,000,” he said.

“While we welcome the announcement of funding it looks like delays in implementation and spending are inevitable as the new and old councils now prevaricate over process.

“Ards Borough Council has since asked for clarification on when the money is to be spent and needs to consult with the new North Down and Ards Super Council. However, Exploris wasn’t on its agenda for a meeting last week. We’ve also learned that the equality impact assessment on closing the aquarium is continuing. 

“The chief executive revealed they must spend the money, or a substantial proportion of it by March 31 next year, or risk losing it. The public has a right to know what is going on and see the money is spent effectively to ensure a sustainable future for Exploris.”

Mr. Andrews said Exploris needed to have a commercial approach and private sector input to make it successful and sustainable into the future. 

“That means looking at things like improved access, better marketing and improving facilities,” he said. “The Executive’s investment is dependent on the implementation of a business plan for Exploris. I believe this should be published to give ratepayers the chance to see it, so that there is openness about how the facility will be run.

“There has been some mention of involving other partners in managing the aquarium and if this makes it more efficient then it would be a welcome development.

“The most successful model is some sort of public private sector partnership. However, there is still too much confusion about the plans for Exploris and the council needs to be more up front about its business case, otherwise problems will be stored up for the future.”