The Belfast Stories project is a major cultural development in Belfast city centre. Spearheaded by Belfast City Council, and part-funded through the Belfast Region City Deal, the development is scheduled to be completed by 2030 and will transform a key urban site on Royal Avenue and North Street into a multi-purpose cultural and tourism destination. This development represents a critical urban regeneration initiative and is located on a historically significant portion of the city that has experienced substantial physical and social decline over recent decades.

The proposal is intended to celebrate the stories of Belfast’s people, history, and culture through a variety of mediums, including film, digital media, oral history, and public storytelling.

Site Location and Context

The Belfast Stories development occupies a prominent corner site at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street, within Belfast’s city centre. The site comprises approximately 5,000 square metres and includes the former Bank of Ireland building at 96 Royal Avenue, a protected structure of significant architectural interest. The remainder of the site includes vacant lots, derelict buildings, and previously demolished properties which were historically part of the 95–107 North Street block.

The site sits within the Cathedral Quarter and is bordered by other regeneration areas, including the formerly proposed Royal Exchange and Tribeca Belfast schemes. Its strategic location, directly adjacent to key retail and civic zones, makes it a critical element of the wider Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy.

History of the Site: North Street

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The section of North Street between numbers 95 and 107 was historically comprised of early 20th-century commercial buildings that formed part of the city’s traditional high street architecture. The buildings included a mix of red-brick and stone-fronted Victorian and Edwardian structures, consistent with the commercial expansion of Belfast during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These properties were typically used for small-scale retail, services, and offices on the ground floors, with residential or storage uses on the upper levels.

Demolition of 95–107 North Street

In 2016, buildings located at 95–107 North Street were demolished shortly before they were due to be assessed for statutory listing. The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) had submitted formal listing requests to the Historic Environment Division (HED) in March 2016. The listing process was in progress, with a final decision expected by December of that year. However, in late November 2016, the buildings were demolished without public announcement, and before the listing process was complete.

This action generated significant controversy within conservation and planning circles. Critics argued that the demolition was a pre-emptive move to remove potential heritage barriers to redevelopment. These buildings had been empty but structurally intact, and campaigners asserted that their loss represented a significant erosion of Belfast’s built heritage.

The demolished buildings were not protected by existing listing status at the time, and this loophole was cited as a vulnerability within Northern Ireland’s heritage protection framework. Despite this, the site has remained undeveloped since their removal, and it now forms part of the wider Belfast Stories masterplan.

Current Condition of the Site

Following the demolition of buildings at 95–107 North Street and the prolonged vacancy of adjacent properties, the site has remained largely inactive. It includes:

• A mix of vacant land and surface-level plots resulting from the demolition.

• The former Bank of Ireland building, built in 1928 in the Art Deco style, which remains intact and is listed as Grade B+.

• Empty commercial units and underused backland plots.

• Temporary interventions including community gardening, rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and other sustainability initiatives, installed as part of Belfast City Council's Green & Grow programme.

This area has historically experienced low footfall, social issues including anti-social behaviour, and minimal investment. As such, it has been prioritised as a strategic site for cultural-led regeneration.

Proposed Development

The Belfast Stories project will deliver a multi-functional cultural destination that aims to serve local communities, attract international visitors, and strengthen the city’s cultural infrastructure.

Key Features

1. The House of Stories

   • A central exhibition building that will showcase interactive and immersive storytelling experiences.

   • Content will be developed in partnership with communities and will reflect the lived experiences, cultural diversity, and history of Belfast.

2. Restoration of the Bank of Ireland Building

   • The existing Grade B+ listed bank building at 96 Royal Avenue will be retained and refurbished.

   • Proposed uses include a food hall, restaurant, and winter garden space, intended to activate the building and reintegrate it with the public realm.

3. Public Realm Enhancements

   • High-quality landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian routes will be implemented.

   • New civic spaces will be created to support events, outdoor performances, and informal social use.

4. Creative Hub and Digital Media Facilities

   • The development will include facilities for screen production, including post-production suites, digital editing labs, and flexible spaces for creative practitioners.

   • This component aligns with Belfast’s strategy to support the growth of its screen and creative industries.

5. Community and Education Spaces

   • Dedicated areas will support education, community workshops, training, and outreach.

   • Facilities will be designed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity across all age groups and communities.

Planning, Design and Delivery

The project is being developed by Belfast City Council with design support from TODD Architects and Snøhetta. Heritage, sustainability, and community engagement are core principles of the scheme’s design strategy.

The planning process includes a series of public consultations and stakeholder workshops. The Council has also committed to carrying out Equality Impact Assessments and detailed Heritage Impact Assessments to inform future planning applications.

Project Timeline

• Concept and Design Phase: 2022–2024

• Public Consultation: Ongoing through 2025

• Planning Submission: Expected 2025

• Construction Phase: Anticipated from 2026

• Completion and Opening: Targeted by 2029–2030

In November 2025, Belfast City Council submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) (LA04/2025/1881/PAN) proposing the erection of a new building to house the Belfast Stories visitor attraction and creative hub, including new internal and external public spaces.

In January 2026, Belfast City Council launched a new consultation seeking feedback on the current designs for the Belfast Stories development. The consultation is open until 5th February.