News
A Titanic Undertaking.....
26th November 2007
NK has recently completed a project in the regeneration of the famous Thompson Dock at Titanic Quarter.....
The NK group has recently had the privilege to work along side 'Northstone Quarry and Asphalt' and the 'Northern Ireland Science Park' in the regeneration of the famous Thompson Dock at Titanic Quarter. The manufacture and installation of over 650 metres of decorative handrail has been just one part of the £1.2 million project funded by Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast City Council and Environment & Heritage Service.
Thompson Graving Dock and Pump House form the birthplace of some the world's most famous, and at the time, of largest passenger ships - the Olympic, Titanic and the Britannic. The Pump House, originally designed to serve the nearby Alexandra Dock, was considerably expanded to house the three steam pumps which were capable of draining the dock's 23 million gallons of water in less than two hours - a technological feat ahead of its time!
Measuring some 268 meters long the dock is representative of an enormous bath with a huge sliding door at one end opening out to sea. When constructed it was the largest graving dock in the world. In terms of shipbuilding history the site put Belfast in the fore of world significance.
Once the substructure of the ship had been constructed on the slipway it would be floated and taken on sea trials before being towed into the dock for the fitting its engines and boilers. Here the superstructure would also be added and work completed on the luxurious cabins and rooms.
The dock is being regenerated with the use of modern additions to contrast with features that are original. The new handrail which has been installed for obvious safety reasons allows the original safety chains, which date back to the time of the Titanic, to remain around the edge of the dock. As the visitor tries to visualize how things used to look they can easily blank the new additions out of their minds eye.
For local people and visiting tourists alike, the dock will be a must see destination upon it's completion early next year. The NK Group would like to take this opportunity to wish 'The Northern Ireland Science Park' and its partners every success in this inspiring venture.
