G.Michael Harris

 
 
TITANIC SIGNATURE PROJECT PROPOSED FOR ODYSSEY  Major plans for a potential new site for the Titanic Signature Project, the key visitor attraction to be built with the support of government for the 2012 Titanic centenary, were revealed today. Known as Titanic Dock, the proposal envisages a new, iconic boat-shaped extension to the Odyssey at Abercorn Basin. The building would create an additional 120,000 square feet of exhibition and gallery space including a scale model of the Titanic suspended spectacularly behind the glass frontage of the building. The boat-like design would also incorporate rejuvenated exhibition space for W5, a new five star hotel which allows guests to stay ‘on the boat’; a centralised ticketing and commercial area and new banqueting and conference space on the top floors with views of Belfast Lough, Queen’s Island and beyond. The scheme, which is currently being appraised by DETI in preparation for a decision by the Northern Ireland Executive this summer, has been proposed by the Odyssey Trust, in association with Titanic exhibition specialists WLM Inc., based in Orlando, Florida. The total budget for the proposal is £64m with just over £39m being requested from public sector sources led by DETI, and the remainder, to fund the hotel, banqueting and Titanic attraction elements, from private sector funders. Odyssey Chief Executive, Robert Fitzpatrick said: “In readiness for 2012, Belfast’s global icon, the Titanic, can finally be celebrated in a fitting way in the city of her birth. Titanic Dock will be a world class visitor attraction hosted in a building capable of global recognition at the Odyssey. This destination and its content will of such scale, originality and innovation that it will become the most important, man-made tourist attraction Northern Ireland has to offer. It will be constructed and operational in time to celebrate 100 years of the legacy of the Titanic; as well as telling the story of those who built it, sailed in it and, tragically, died in it. “Using cutting-edge interactive technology, a series of galleries will also represent the great maritime history of Belfast and celebrate the legacy of success that was Harland & Wolff and Workman Clark, as well as experiencing first-hand, the social conditions of the city. These galleries will also present wonderful opportunities to explore and discover the methods used to construct some of the greatest ships of the age as well as teaching and experimenting with the maritime science of today.” Renowned Titanic explorer and exhibition expert Mike Harris, XX of WLM added: “For too long, Belfast has not had a fitting showcase for its maritime industry and heritage, nor has it marked properly the greatest and most famous ship ever built, the Titanic. “At last, Titanic Dock can deliver a world class attraction in Northern Ireland and we are thrilled to be involved. Inside the spectacular glass ‘hull’, visitors from across the world will be dazzled by the Titanic captured for ever in its suspended glory, 50 feet above the ground. The ship will be interactive and visitors will be able to explore its intricacies before traveling into actual re-creations of some of its most important elements including walking the grand staircase and seeing the luxury of the first class eating and sleeping facilities, as well as the great boilers and the Bridge before venturing outside to experience the magnitude of the tragedy of April 14, 1912.” Titanic Dock is designed by award-winning architectural practice, Consarc, the Belfast-based architects of the original Odyssey complex. Composed of a steel frame and reinforced dark glass hull, the ingenious structure brings the W5 elevation of the Odyssey building out towards the water of Abercorn Basin by a further 9 metres. The building stretches to 7 storeys in height and connects to all of the key Titanic sites on Queens’ island through a series of interpretative guides. For the 2012 year, a special light show which re-creates the four funnels of the Titanic is also proposed. Odyssey Trust Chairman, Alan Gibson, emphasised the benefits of the Odyssey location and stewardship of the Titanic Signature Project: “We have an established charitable model; exemplary procurement and management processes and the experience of running and possibly more importantly, sustaining without additional government subsidy, what is acknowledged as one of the most successful of the UK’s Millennium projects. Our plans for Titanic Dock are audacious and striking but they also make very sound economic sense and provide the opportunity to make the Odyssey, with a refreshed and exciting new offer, even more sustainable in the future.” A comprehensive business case for Titanic Dock was submitted by the Odyssey Trust to DETI on May 7. An announcement on funding for either Titanic Dock or the alternative Titanic Signature Project is expected this summer. Press requests in Europe Contact Paul Mc Erlean MCE Public Relations Ltd T: + 44 (0) 28 90267099 F: + 44 (0) 28 9031253 Paul@mcepr.com Press requests in USA Contact David Christensen WLM Inc. Business Affairs T: 407-401-1050 F: 727-231- 8336 Dcmgmt1@earthlink.net  About G. Michael Harris G. Michael Harris is a world renowned adventurer and explorer, leading multiple expeditions around the world, most notably his numerous treks to the wreck site of Titanic. Harris is more than just a man in search of adventure; he is also a husband, father, son, business owner, motivational speaker and civic leader. Born in Clearwater, Florida, Harris is the son of acclaimed documentary film maker and explorer, D. Michael Harris (‘Deadly Fathoms’, ‘Search for Titanic’, ‘In Search of Noah’s Ark’) who led the first three expeditions in search of Titanic during the early 1980’s. Son G. Michael took the torch soon after and has spent the last 25 years cultivating his research, knowledge and exploration of Titanic. He was the founder and former Chief Operating Officer of RMS Titanic, Inc., and led the largest expedition to the Titanic wreck site to date in August 2000, salvaging over 1,800 new artifacts and personally making more than 8 dives to the site, located at a depth of over 12,500 feet. In the summer of 2005 Mr. Harris led a return expedition to Titanic with his 13 year-old son, Sebastian, who set the Guinness World Record as the “Youngest Person to Dive to Titanic”. This historic dive, in addition to new data on how Titanic sank, was all captured on over 150 hours of HD footage for an upcoming series tentatively titled, GENERATIONS. Titanic The Experience opens at the Orlando Science Center (from left) Jeff Stanford, Dave Walker, G.Michael Harris, Christine van Blokland, Ron Bath, Lowell Lyttle as Captain Smith, and Brian Tonner December 16, 2007 – December 2008 The ship of dreams is docking at Orlando Science Center for a limited one-year engagement! The legendary vessel will come alive with opportunities for discovery and learning. Featuring full-scale recreations of the ship's most famous locales along with historians in period costume portraying the ship's designers, officers, crew and passengers; Titanic – The Experience will offer a rich interactive examination of the history and science behind the "ship of dreams."
 The Science Center has worked closely with G. Michael Harris, the President of Titanic – The Experience, and his team to adapt the attraction for its audience. In addition to presenting the historical elements of Titanic, the exhibit will emphasize ocean exploration. Harris is the son of acclaimed documentary filmmaker and explorer, D. Michael Harris, who led the first three expeditions in search of Titanic during the early 1980's. Harris himself has spent the last 25 years cultivating his research, knowledge and exploration of Titanic. He led the largest expedition to the wreck site to date, making more than 8 dives at a depth of over 12,500 feet.
 At Orlando Science Center, visitors can learn about these dives and reveal answers about what happened on the night of the sinking, April 14, 1912. These divers are making new discoveries every day and guests can share in these discoveries here at the Science Center. mailto:Paul@mcepr.comThisshapeimage_1_link_0

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