Funding

The Odyssey was developed and built by OTC through over 83% of public funding from:

• Millennium Commission
• Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure
• Laganside Corporation
• Sports Council for Northern Ireland Lottery Fund

The Arena and W5 were constructed using this public money.

The Pavilion was constructed from private funding from Sheridan Millennium Ltd.

Construction

At the end of 1998 the foundations were laid for the Odyssey and the mammoth task of building the complex began. In December 2000 the Odyssey Arena opened to the general public with an ice hockey match featuring the Belfast Giants. Then in the spring of 2001 W5, the science interactive discovery centre, opened its doors to families and people of all ages. Other units within Odyssey Pavilion opened in stages throughout 2001.

• Architects – Consarc Design Group, including Marshall Haines and Barrow for the Arena
• Building Contractors – Farrans Gilbert Ash
• Project Managers – Davis Langdon Everest and Bovis

Building Facts

• 20,000 lights
• 1,200 people employed during construction
• 1 million square feet of brick/blockwork
• 125,000 tonnes of concrete
• 470 miles of wiring
• 3.5 acres of soft landscaping
• Over 50,000 shrubs
• 15,000 tonnes of steel
• Total site 23 acres
• Over 500 trees
• Odyssey Building 55,000m2

Disabled Facilities

The Odyssey Complex has been designed as a landmark destination that is accessible by all parts of the community.
All main entrances to the building are accessible via flat or gently sloping pathways from a walkway. Pedestrian access to Odyssey from the main car park, located to the south side of the Sydenham Road is facilitated by the provision of the 2 signal control pedestrian crossings. The 60 spaces closest to the main entrances have been designated for use by visitors with disabilities.