Concept designs have been unveiled for the £100 million Belfast Stories development, set to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and a 5,000-square metre site on Royal Avenue into a major cultural and creative hub by 2030. The project is a flagship initiative under the £1 billion Belfast Region City Deal, which aims to drive economic growth across the region.

Belfast Stories will feature storytelling spaces, a visitor centre, and a creative hub celebrating the city’s heritage. A standout element, the “story engine,” will host activities that gather and share the experiences of residents and visitors, creating a dynamic platform for community engagement.

The architectural vision is led by Oslo-based Snøhetta, known for the Oslo Opera House and New York’s 9/11 Memorial Pavilion, working in partnership with Belfast-based TODD Architects. Daniel Berlin, senior architect at Snøhetta, said the aim is to create a recognisable city landmark that reshapes how people navigate and experience Belfast, while regenerating the surrounding area.

Visitor experience design is managed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, whose portfolio includes the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, with Barker Langham overseeing curation and interpretation. Project management is handled by Gleeds. The development is currently in RIBA Stage 2, and a 14-week public consultation is underway following an initial round in 2022.

Once complete, the project is expected to attract over 700,000 visitors annually and support up to 1,200 jobs during construction and launch. The public consultation runs until 23 February 2025, allowing residents to shape the final proposals.

Belfast Stories positions itself as a bold investment in culture and tourism, promising to become a signature feature of the city’s urban landscape while driving economic and creative growth.

See the full designs and discover how Belfast Stories could reshape the city’s cultural landscape.