Belfast City Council launched the next phase of public consultation for the Belfast Stories project on 13 November 2025, inviting residents and stakeholders to continue shaping the major regeneration scheme.

The project is the flagship tourism and regeneration initiative within the Belfast Region City Deal programme. It is planned as a multi-purpose destination, described as a public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub, expected to open by 2030. The site encompasses the Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building and the surrounding 5,000 square metre site at the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street. The consultation will run until February 2026 and will share updated proposals and designs ahead of a planning application submission in April 2026. This phase, known as RIBA Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination), incorporates feedback from the previous consultation (November 2024–February 2025) to develop the concept into a coordinated architectural plan.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Kelly, encouraged the public to attend the consultation events, stating that Belfast Stories has the "genuine potential to bring people together, boost tourism, enhance the city's international reputation and grow the local creative economy." The project aims to attract over 700,000 visitors per year and is expected to support up to 760 jobs during its construction and launch.

The design team supporting the project is a partnership between Oslo-based architects Snøhetta and Belfast-based TODD Architects.

For more information and to take part in the consultation from 13 November 2025 – 5 February 2026, visit yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk/belfast-stories