Planning permission has been secured for the construction of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour at a site outside Banbridge, expected to create almost 200 jobs in the local area.
Linen Mill Studios has received the go-ahead from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the new tourist destination, which is expected to draw up to 600,000 visitors a year and help generate approximately £400m of revenue annually for Northern Ireland.
The new development is also expected to support 194 jobs, the bulk of which will be sourced from the local area.
Andrew Webb, managing director at Linen Mill Studios, said: “This decision paves the way for one of the most exciting visitor attractions in Northern Ireland’s history, one which will draw thousands of visitors from near and far, provide a host of direct and indirect jobs and underpin Northern Ireland’s economy at a crucial time.
“The Game of Thrones Studio Tour has already stirred the excitement of fans around the world and promises to play a significant part in rejuvenating the tourism sector on the island of Ireland in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The authenticity of the Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios is the essential connection with the show, which has been such a part of the Banbridge area for so many years, and will ensure that the unparalleled craftsmanship and artistic magic of all those who worked on it lives on for many years to come.
“We feel privileged to be custodians of the only Game of Thrones Studio Tour anywhere in the world and are determined to make sure the Studio Tour accurately reflects the entertainment, drama and quality for which the show is renowned.”
