The iconic Belfast barge which spent years as a restaurant has been relaunched as Northern Ireland’s only floating arts centre and events space.

The vessel (Confiance) is moored at Lanyon Quay (River Lagan), has been converted into an arts hub with a maritime museum, gallery and bookable events space.

The news was announced today by charity Lagan legacy.

The upstairs river room was once home to a restaurant but has now been converted into a family and dog friendly café, which will open to customers next Tuesday (November 2).

The barge was a popular restaurant but has gone largely under the radar for the past 18 months during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Attending the launch of the new project, Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Kate Nicholl said it was fantastic to see the much-loved barge back in action.

“The barge is over-flowing with history and is a fantastic space for artists, musicians and creators to come together,” she said.

Belfast Telegraph has more.