Aquarium manager is grateful for support

Aquarium manager is grateful for support

2 October 2013

SECURING regional funding for Exploris will allow the facility to bid for major grant-aid, according to its manager.

Helena Challinor said public support for the aquarium and its staff has been tremendous, with people visiting the facility “in their droves” since news of the closure recommendation was made public.

Ms. Challinor said the support of the public means a huge amount to staff, admitting it would be fair to say that they have been down, not just because they are in fear of their jobs, but because that without exception, they are really passionate about Exploris.

“The public support has given us all a lift. The support has been absolutely fantastic and has given us the impetus to do what we can to make the facility even better. I am very keen for everyone to be pulling in the same direction,” she continued.

Ms. Challinor said if Exploris could secure central government funding for the next decade, it would provide a platform to secure grant funding to help really improve the aquarium. She also believes Exploris should be regarded as a regional facility and not funded by Ards Council.

The aquarium’s manager revealed that prior to the failed discussions with a private firm interested in taking over the aquarium, Exploris had made bids for grant funding totalling just over £400,000.

“We were offered one of the grants and were on the cusp of securing the second but the money was not drawn down,” the manager explained.

“Securing regional funding will open the possibilities of making new bids for grant aid. No one is going to give a grant to a facility whose future is uncertain and that’s why this issue needs to be addressed.”

Following Monday night’s public meeting, Ms. Challinor admitted she was more positive now than she was two weeks ago and hopes the drive to secure regional funding for Exploris will be successful.