WATCH: Portrush gets £17m facelift ahead of 148th Open
Town transformed in time to welcome the world's best golfers
Last updated 26th Jun 2019
The 148th Opens is set to bring £80 million to the Northern Ireland economy, according to the Department for Communities.
The town has had a £17 million face-lift with a new train station, public realm scheme and transformed shop fronts.
The two-and-a-half-year project has just been completed, in time to welcome the world's best golfers from 14-21 July.
Car parking and traffic signage has also been improved, while developers have used grant funding to transform derelict and vacant properties.
The tournament at Royal Portrush Golf Club promises to be the biggest sporting event to be held in the region.
Approving the regeneration scheme was one of the Executive's last decision before the collapse of devolution.
Permanent secretary for the Department for Communities Tracy Meharg said: "It is important that Portrush is looking its very best as the eyes of the world focus on the town.
"Over 215,000 spectators will attend the event and an anticipated TV audience of over 600 million will watch the world's best golfers take part in what is the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Northern Ireland.
"What has been achieved is incredible.
This was a very ambitious programme.
"I am delighted with what has been delivered and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work to ensure the major elements of the programme were completed on time and before the 148th Open.''
Chris Conway, chief executive of Translink, said the new station will help to "rejuvenate'' the area.
"As we get ready to welcome thousands of visitors to the town this summer for the 148th Open, the new station will form a key part of our travel plans to get golf fans to this high-profile event,'' he said.
The mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Sean Bateson (below), said there was an air of excitement in the town ahead of the Open.
"This regeneration programme has created a new era for Portrush by transforming the streetscape and built environment,'' he said.
"The positive improvements to the town's appearance and infrastructure are befitting of Portrush's position as a high-quality visitor destination and we are very proud of what the programme has achieved.
"This regeneration work will allow the resort to reach its full potential as we prepare to welcome the 148th Open and beyond. We are grateful to the local community and businesses for their co-operation throughout the process and collectively we look forward to capitalising on the legacy of this programme for years to come."