AQW 21712/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 31/01/2025
Answered On Date: 06/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the current status of the proposed Belfast Stories project as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

Answer:

Currently, Belfast City Council is developing concept designs and a draft outline business case on the detail of the proposal for Belfast Stories.

A second phase of public consultation for the project commenced on the 19th of November 2024 and will remain open until the 23rd of February 2025.

In parallel, Tourism NI has initiated market testing for the project in six key visitor markets and has facilitated workshops with relevant Executive Departments with an interest in the delivery and outcomes of the proposition.

It is anticipated that the Outline Business Case (OBC) will be submitted for consideration in Spring 2025. If funding is approved, the project aims to open to the public in 2030.

My officials will continue to work closely with Tourism Northern Ireland, Belfast Region City Deal and Belfast City Council to develop the OBC for the project.