Conferencing at the heart of the city In 2017 the General Assembly agreed to redevelop the ground floor of Assembly Buildings to create a new suite of state-of-the-art conference facilities. Work began that summer and was completed this spring. The new facilities were used for the first time at this year’s General Assembly. The historic landmark building at Fisherwick Place has been part of Belfast’s cityscape since 1905. The administrative heart of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland was built in the gothic ‘Scottish baronial’ style, with a 40m high clock tower that houses the city’s only operational peal of 12 bells. Long since surpassed by the towering surrounding buildings, its place as a unique conferencing and exhibition centre remains. Although Assembly Buildings was built at the start of the 19th century, the redevelopment has created a 21st century conferencing complex that blends the historic with the latest technology and modern facilities.
With the 1,150-seater Assembly Hall at its heart along with the Board Room, Minor Hall and existing meeting rooms, the new ground floor Conference Room, Exhibition Centre and multiple syndicate rooms, all with state-of-the-art technology and Wi-Fi throughout, make the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre one of the most versatile facilities of its kind in Belfast.
New appointment Raymond Robinson joined the Assembly Buildings’ team as Facilities and Conference Manager in June 2018. Overseeing the office, conference and retail complex that comprises Assembly Buildings and Fisherwick Buildings, Raymond has responsibility for the safety and security of the complex. He also manages the development and marketing of the conference, retail facilities and visitor exhibition in keeping with the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. To view the conference and exhibition centre, or for more information, contact Raymond Robinson at rarobinson@presbyterianireland.org
Annual Summary 2018
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