Belfast Stories: Planning Application for £100m Landmark Visitor Attraction Set for Submission
Belfast City Council is preparing to submit the planning application for Belfast Stories, the ambitious £100 million cultural visitor attraction and creative hub planned for the heart of the city centre, with the application expected to be lodged in 2026 following an extensive public consultation process.
The project, which will transform a 5,000 square metre site at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street — including the Grade B+ listed former Bank of Ireland building — is expected to attract over 700,000 visitors annually and support up to 760 jobs during its construction and launch phases.
Background
Belfast Stories has been in development since 2022, with Belfast City Council working alongside architects TODD Architects and Snøhetta to develop a vision for a multi-purpose cultural and tourism destination that celebrates Belfast's history, culture, and people. The project is partially funded through the Belfast Region City Deal and represents one of the most significant cultural investments in the city's recent history.
A formal pre-application community consultation ran from November 2025 to February 2026, gathering feedback from residents, businesses, and community groups across Belfast. The consultation was legally required before the planning application could be submitted.
Key Developments
The Belfast Stories development will include several key components: a central House of Stories exhibition building for interactive and immersive storytelling; the restoration and repurposing of the former Bank of Ireland building to include a food hall, restaurant, and winter garden; a creative hub with screen production, post-production, and digital editing facilities; and significant public realm enhancements including landscaping, lighting, and new civic spaces for events and performances.
Belfast City Council has also launched a £250,000 Community Grants Programme to support story-based projects across the city, offering small grants of up to £10,000 and creative project grants of up to £30,000, with projects expected to run between June 2026 and March 2027. This initiative reflects the project's commitment to community involvement and grassroots storytelling.
The project is targeted for completion and opening by 2029-2030, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026 following planning approval. The site, which currently includes vacant land, derelict buildings, and previously demolished properties, has been identified for cultural-led regeneration due to its historically low footfall.
Why It Matters
Belfast Stories represents a transformative opportunity for the city centre, bringing new life to a part of Royal Avenue and North Street that has long been in need of regeneration. The attraction's projected 700,000 annual visitors would make it one of the most significant tourism draws in Northern Ireland, complementing existing attractions such as the Titanic Belfast museum. The creative hub element also offers the prospect of sustained employment in the screen and digital industries.
What's Next
The planning application is expected to be submitted to Belfast City Council's planning department in the coming months. Following submission, the application will be subject to a statutory consultation period before a decision is made. More information is available from Belfast City Council and Northern Ireland Screen.
