A team of researchers has revealed that an ‘in-town site’ for the construction of a multi-purpose stadium would be advantageous.

The research carried out by the University of Ulster and commissioned by Belfast City Council found that the vast majority of Northern Ireland stakeholders consulted had expressed strong support for a city centre location.

Its findings went against the proposals for a 35,000-seater stadium that would house soccer, GAA and soccer matches at the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Research team spokesperson David Carson, Professor of Marketing at the University of Ulster, said: “Seldom have we experienced such overwhelming evidence for one dimension namely the in-town location. In the light of this, we are concerned that such evidence has not been fully incorporated in the consideration of a stadium for Northern Ireland until now.”

Northern Ireland soccer fans have been pushing for the venue to be located within Belfast.

However, Sports Minister Edwin Poots said planning restrictions on a possible development at Ormeau Park made the project impossible.

“The advice that I have received from my Planning Service is that it’s a non-runner and we have to take their advice,” he said.

“Planning Service have indicated that their position still stands, if it is not going to get planning permission in the first instance it is a non-starter.”

The report proposes a stadium of between 20 – 30,000 which would achieve the key factors of atmosphere and user experience.

The team was made up of University of Ulster experts in the field of built environment, economics and marketing, and supported by a network of expert advisers from across the University.

They also examined modern UK stadiums, including Cardiff Millennium, Hull KC and Huddersfield Galpharm.

(JM/KMcA)