Cultural hub costing £100 million for Belfast

Image: courtesy Snøhetta/Proloog

A city centre visitor attraction and cultural hub telling the story of Belfast is expected to open in the city centre by 2030 as part of a £1bn regeneration project to drive economic growth and positively impact Northern Ireland’s more deprived communities, according to the Museums Association. It states:

'Costing about £100m, Belfast Stories will be housed in the art deco former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding 5,000-square meter site on Royal Avenue, not far from the cathedral.

'The project will share stories from people who have lived in and visited Belfast – past and  present.

“This story gathering element is a work in progress that is being influenced and shaped by our ongoing engagement with the people of Belfast,” said Eimear Henry, the creative and strategic lead at Belfast Stories.

“The gathering of these stories, or the ‘story engine’ as we call it, is the project’s cornerstone, and our work here has already started.

“The concept is driven by the belief that by telling these authentic stories of the people of Belfast we will tell the story of the city – in the richest possible detail. These stories will show the world how much we value our city and our people.”

'Oslo-based architects Snøhetta, the firm responsible for designing the Oslo Opera House and the 9/11 Memorial Pavilion in New York, has partnered with Belfast-based TODD Architects on the project.

'The project is currently progressing through RIBA Stage 2 - Concept Design, with public consultations taking place until 23 February 23 2025.'

Ralph Appelbaum Associates are working with Barker Langham to design the visitor experience. Property and construction consultancy, Gleeds, are overseeing project management.

John Blanchard, principal and director of Ralph Appelbaum Associates, said:

: “Belfast Stories has the potential to revitalise the city centre and enhance the local economy through tourism-led regeneration and support for the creative economy.

“It will also be a public space for the people of Belfast, who are central to its delivery. Our role as interpretive designers is to listen to and share the stories of the people of Belfast in a way that tells the unique story of this place.

"Our annual one-day conference on 12 March at the Barbican, London, showcases the latest thinking and new approaches across the sector.

“The lifeblood of this project are the stories of the people of this city – and by interpreting these, we will be sharing the story of Belfast both locally and with visitors from around the world. It’s a fantastic, complex and invigorating project that is unique in so many ways – much like the city of Belfast.”

It is estimated that Belfast Stories will attract more than 700,000 visitors annually and create  up to 1,200 jobs supported during the construction and launch phases. Is it funded through the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment.

Photo: Snøhetta/Proloog