Image: A concept design for Belfast Stories
Belfast Stories will both gather and display local stories through interactives, audio-visual installations music, and prints
Concept designs for a new £100 million Belfast visitor attraction have been unveiled by Belfast City Council.
This week the council has launched a consultation on Belfast Stories, a mult-purpose public space, visitor attraction and creative hub.
Expected to open by 2030, Belfast Stories will be based at the Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building and the surrounding 5,000 square metre site at the top of Royal Avenue.
Aiming to attract more than 700,000 visitors per year, it is part of the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) programme of investment.
The project is currently progressing through RIBA Stage 2. Belfast Stories’ team is now hosting a second public consultation which will run into February 2025.
The council said the space “aspires to bring people together, boost tourism, enhance the city’s international reputation and grow the local creative economy.”
Local stories will be presented through a series of interactives, audio-visual, music, and prints. Its creative hub is hoped to feature a story gathering initiative designed to deliver a programme of activities both inside and outside the building.
Eimear Henry, Creative and Strategic Lead at Belfast Stories advised: 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.”
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray said the project has “the potential to revitalise the area and genuinely enhance a sense of connection and belonging for the people of Belfast, who are central to its delivery. Belfast people will be sharing stories with each other and with visitors from around the world.”
The design team supporting Belfast Stories includes a partnership between Oslo-based architects Snøhetta, the firm responsible for designing the Oslo Opera House and the 9/11 Memorial Pavilion in New York, and Belfast-based TODD Architects, who are leading on the architectural and structural design.
Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) are engaged to design the visitor experience.
