Sinn Féin Opposes BBC as Anchor Tenant in Belfast Stories Project
Sinn Féin has expressed opposition to the BBC becoming an "anchor tenant" at the new Belfast Stories visitor attraction planned for Belfast city centre.
The £100 million development, named Belfast Stories, is scheduled to open by 2030. It will be located at the site of the former Bank of Ireland building at the Royal Avenue and North Street junction. The attraction aims to use words, pictures, and sounds to depict Belfast's past, present, and future.
The project includes an event space that could potentially be used as a TV studio by the BBC and other organisations.
Council Discussions and Sinn Féin's Opposition
During the most recent Belfast City Council meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Áine McCabe voiced opposition to the BBC's involvement. She stated:
"I'm astounded that the majority in this chamber think the possibility of the BBC as an anchor tenant as part of the flagship civic project Belfast Stories is the way forward for such a project in our city, led by Belfast City Council."
Her remarks were interrupted by a senior council official who indicated that the matter should be discussed in private. Subsequently, members of the media were asked to leave the chamber. Typically, issues involving commercial and financial matters are debated behind closed doors until final decisions are made.
Belfast City Council's Position and BBC's Role
Belfast City Council later confirmed that discussions with the BBC have taken place but did not describe the BBC as an "anchor tenant" in an official statement. A council spokesperson said:
"Belfast City Council has had discussions with the BBC about how they can support the creative sector in the proposed event space at Belfast Stories. These discussions are ongoing and involve some commercial sensitivities. Elected members agreed at March's council meeting that a report on the potential operating model of the event space at Belfast Stories be brought back to committee."
The council's website details that the Belfast Stories plan includes provision for a 'studio/event space'.
A BBC spokesperson commented:
"We are exploring our potential role in Belfast Stories, seeking to maximise its benefits for the creative economy and BBC audiences. These conversations are ongoing."
Sinn Féin's Public Silence and Project Timeline
Sinn Féin has not publicly elaborated on its opposition to the BBC's involvement. A party spokesperson indicated that no comment would be made until an agreement is reached at the council level.
The project aims to commence construction in 2027. Plans to transform the former Bank of Ireland building, which dates back to the 1920s, into a modern visitor attraction were first announced five years ago.
Once completed, Belfast Stories is expected to attract approximately 700,000 visitors annually.
Political Support and Financial Considerations
Comments from Áine McCabe suggest that despite Sinn Féin's opposition, a majority of council parties support the BBC's involvement in the project.
If the council agrees to lease the event space for use as a TV studio on a specified number of days, the BBC would be required to pay for this usage, which would contribute to covering project costs.
Significance for Belfast's Tourism
Upon completion, Belfast Stories will represent a second major visitor attraction in the city, complementing the Titanic Belfast visitor centre.
