For many, there are fond, if somewhat hazy, memories of the Beach Club at the SSE Arena in Belfast, but the former club has now been repurposed as a learning centre.
Following a £3m investment, the 20,000sq ft area becomes "Life at W5", a state-of-the-art centre for young people and adult learners.
The Odyssey Trust, which looks after the SSE-branded building, announced the move as part of a major extension to its 'learning innovation for everyone' programme.
It's believed the centre could reach over 160,000 people over the next five years for skills-based learning and training programmes, in the STEM and technology sectors.
The Trust said it will be working with partners in Microsoft, Almac and Belfast Harbour, particularly targeting hard-to-reach schools, young people and adult learners in underrepresented communities.
Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO, The Odyssey Trust said: “Building on over 20 years of STEM based learning in W5, this dedicated hub will provide a new home for learning, that is welcoming and accessible to all.
"We wanted to create a space, outside of the realms of formal education, where people from across Northern Ireland could come to learn more about themselves, and perhaps the opportunities they have missed, or may not have considered previously.
“We believe this space has the potential to be a catalyst to properly engage and deliver the new 10x Skills Agenda, that will increase understanding and awareness of technologies and associated careers pathways.
"Ultimately, we hope to help nurture, develop, and retain talent that will be crucial to our future economic and societal wellbeing.
"This vision aligns with the charitable objectives of The Odyssey Trust to improve the life chances for people in Northern Ireland.”
Microsoft has created a "Dream Space" within the new facilities with a focus for students on areas such as computer science, AI, Mixed Reality, and robotics.
Almac has expanded on the work it already does within W5 on its MED-Lab experience, an interactive medical-themed exhibition area, exploring potential opportunities in medical and life sciences.
The Odyssey Trust Company is a registered charity and was established to, ‘hold, manage, safeguard and develop the investment in the Odyssey project for the benefit of all the people of Northern Ireland’.
