After almost five years and 1 million visitors, 2 Royal Avenue is inviting the public to enjoy a programme of cultural and festive activities before its successful meanwhile use comes to an end on 31 December.

The landmark venue will move into a new phase in 2027, featuring Belfast's first dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub on the first floor, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Emerging plans also include a new not-for-profit civic and cultural space on the ground floor, due to launch later next year.

Belfast City Council, which acquired 2 Royal Avenue in 2021, has transformed one of the city's most recognisable buildings into a thriving civic and cultural destination. Working with MayWe, the council funded the meanwhile use of the ground floor as a community and cultural space, including a café operated by Yallaa Catering, while exploring longer-term options to preserve the building's ethos and ensure its financial sustainability.

An ambitious meanwhile use programme helped create an inclusive, vibrant venue that welcomed visitors, supported artists, community groups and local organisations, and contributed to reimagining Belfast city centre.

As the meanwhile phase concludes, the council is finalising plans to secure a sustainable long-term future that builds on the venue's success. Following an Expression of Interest process earlier this year, elected members have agreed to progress proposals with a new occupier to deliver a not-for-profit civic and cultural space, alongside Belfast's first dedicated LGBTQIA+ Hub, marking a new era for 2 Royal Avenue and the wider city centre.

Reflecting on the venue's journey, Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: "We want to place on record our sincere thanks to MayWe and Yallaa for working with us on this pilot project which explored how we could transform this city centre asset into a vibrant, welcoming and inclusive civic and cultural space. Their commitment, energy and professionalism in delivering 2 Royal Avenue's first chapter over the past five years has been outstanding.

"2 Royal Avenue's success has exceeded our expectations. It has brought so many people together, fostered new cultural and community partnerships, supported artists and organisations, and demonstrated the vital role that accessible, inclusive and creative spaces play in city life. The project has generated invaluable learning for the Council and laid strong foundations that are shaping the building's future.

"We're proud of everything that has been achieved through this pioneering initiative and look forward to continuing our partnership with MayWe through future cultural programmes and events, including PEACEPLUS.

"Now, 2 Royal Avenue is getting ready to enter an exciting new era. The evolving proposals will retain and enhance the elements that have made the space so successful, while adopting a sustainable operating model that secures its long-term future. Culture, community, and a warm Belfast welcome will remain at the heart of the venue, ensuring 2 Royal Avenue continues to serve as a place where people can connect, create and belong for years to come."

The building will temporarily close from early January 2027 to facilitate work on the LGBTQIA+ Hub and a broader programme of improvements to protect and enhance the venue for the future.

Until then, November and December will feature a range of festive events, including Santa's Post Office delivered by Belfast One Bid, where children can meet Santa's elves and enjoy free seasonal activities.

The council is working with MayWe to make sure current users and visitors are informed about the upcoming changes. Final arrangements for the building's next chapter are being completed, with updates to be shared on the council's website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/2royalavenue and via social media in the coming months.