A Titanic / Maritime Belfast Signature Project now known as Titanic Belfast®, was identified in Northern Ireland Tourism Board’s Strategic Framework for Action 2004-2007 as one of the five key tourism signature projects to enhance Northern Ireland’s tourism offering. The overall concept was translated into detailed plans and implemented by Harcourt Developments, who enlisted the help of CHL Consulting, a specialist tourism destination development and research consultancy, and Event Communications, Europe’s leading exhibition design group. The architecture of the attraction was designed by CivicArts with Todd Architects as the lead consultant / architect.
Constructed by Harcourt Developments, who broke ground in May 2009, the architecturally unique building opened to critical acclaim on 31 March 2012 in time for the centenary.