Dublin and London developers are reportedly vying for a 3.64-acre site at the gateway to one of the world's best-known tourist sites, the Giant's Causeway on the north Antrim coast.

The vendors, Moyle District Council, has retained the Belfast agency, Crothers, who are not quoting any guideline prices as the successful tender, on September 28th, will be selected on the basis of the quality of the proposed development.

Helen Brennan, of agents Crothers, reports considerable interest from the UK and the Republic, with particular interest from developers and architects in Dublin and London.

It is understood that a number of top architectural practices are being retained by developers to provide proposals for the development of the site which is of international importance.

The Giant's Causeway is the most popular tourist attractions on the island of Ireland after Dublin. Since 1987 it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The visitor centre which opened in 1986 dealt with 434,000 visitors last year. Projections suggest that the causeway will attract and sustain 750,000 visitors per year by 2010.

The centre was destroyed in a malicious fire in April 2000 and the site presently houses a range of temporary visitor facilities with significant scope for enhancement.

Moyle District Council decided last year to invite proposals from private developers for the future development of the site. Its stated intention is to bring "World-class visitor facilities to Northern Ireland's leading tourist destination".

The council is now seeking proposals for the future development of the site via a freehold sale or long term lease. This followed a review of how best the site and visitor centre could be developed.

The agents said that after the review of the facility it became clear that Moyle District Council, the smallest council in Northern Ireland, was unable to fund the redevelopment of the site on its own. The council was not in a position to put in place visitor facilities suitable for the gateway to Ireland's leading tourist attraction.

The review recommended that the best option for all concerned was the sale of the site to a developer or partnership which can build and manage a visitor experience, capable of matching the causeway's status as a World Heritage Site.

The sale will be managed via a 16-page development brief that will outlines the criteria that prospective developers must meet.

The criteria against which all submissions will be judged will include careful consideration of the environment and conservation of the area; the quality of visitor attraction and suitability of use; the potential for economic regeneration of the area and the design, construction, deliverability and time-scale of the development.

Councillor David McAllister, chairman of Moyle District Council, said: "Through this process we are confident that we will achieve a visitor centre that will totally complement the existing visitor experience at the Giant's Causeway. Unfortunately we are not in a position to do this ourselves and we firmly believe that this is the best way forward to deliver world-class visitor facilities at a world-class visitor attraction. We are presenting a truly unique opportunity to serious developers who will recognise the potential of the location and put in place a facility that will be beneficial to the ratepayers of Moyle, to the people of Northern Ireland and to our visitors from further afield. We look forward to receiving proposals for the development of a centre that we can all be proud of."

Richard Lewis, chief executive of Moyle District Council, added: "What we are after is a development that will enhance the visitor experience and respect the unique environment and heritage at the Giant's Causeway. We will also favour proposals that will make a major contribution to the vitality of the district and the enhancement of the local economy.

"This process will also free up much needed funds which we are intending to target at other areas of need within the council area and therefore presents a win-win situation for all."

On completion of the tender process, the property will be transferred subject to a number of occupational leases. Two small shops are sublet on a three-year basis ending March 2001 and a souvenir shop and cafΘ is let to the National Trust on a 99-year lease, which commenced in September 1984.

Copies of the development brief are available from Crothers, The Warehouse, 7 James Street South, Belfast, BT2 8DN. Telephone 048 9033 2333; fax 048 9033 2822; e-mail KennethC@Crothers.co.uk