Belfast City Council has unveiled plans for a £100m attraction called Belfast Stories, which will include a visitor experience, state-of-the-art film centre and rooftop urban park.
Set to open in 2028, the Belfast Stories development involves restoring the Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building. The listed building was acquired by Belfast City Council for the project, along with the surrounding site.
It will be restored and the space around it developed, resulting in a visitor experience that tells the stories of Belfast, as well as public spaces for events and programming.
“The positive impact of delivering the Belfast Stories development will be felt for many years to come, with the seeds sewn now as we look ahead to opening the venue in 2028,” said Suzanne Wylie, Belfast City Council’s chief executive.
Plans also include a new state-of-the-art film centre providing access to Northern Ireland Screen’s digital film archive. In addition, the project will feature an urban park on the rooftop offering views across the city.
Restoring the former Bank of Ireland building
“Belfast Stories will reflect the unique spirit of our city through a variety of media and immersive experiences,” said Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl.
“It will drive culture-led regeneration across the city, giving us the opportunity to put the people of Belfast and their stories at its heart,” Nicholl added.
“It’s an investment, not just in monetary terms, but in our people and the generations to come, and an important investment in our heritage and in our future.”
Nicholl said the sustainable development in Northern Ireland will utilise “the latest technology”. It will operate “with the environment in mind”, she added.
“It’s widely acknowledged that Belfast punches above its weight when it comes to its cultural offering,” said Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen.
“The creativity on these shores cannot be overstated; we are a veritable powerhouse, and the Belfast Stories project will keep that momentum going in the right direction.”
Images: Belfast City Council
