Belfast Stories is a unique visitor destination of unprecedented scale and ambition in the heart of the city centre, that will catalyse economic, social, and cultural regeneration in the city and wider region.

The council hopes to realise a high quality landmark building, which will attract international and local visitors, as well as providing a home for the Belfast Stories experience, by 2028.

The 5,000 m² site is located on a city centre block to the north of the Royal Avenue and North Street intersection and includes the former Bank of Ireland Art Deco property. The development will accommodate the Belfast Stories visitor experience, Belfast Screen Centre, and a variety of vibrant public spaces. The project forms part of the Tourism and Regeneration Pillar of the £1bn Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said: “We’ve chosen to partner with RIBA to attract the very best in design for our ambitious, landmark visitor experience, which is a key part of our Belfast Region City Deal programme of investment.

Belfast Stories will be a major tourism anchor, reflecting the unique spirit of our city through a variety of media and a mix of immersive, authentic experiences, stories, screens and social spaces – with Belfast’s people and personality at its heart. So it’s only fitting that the design and architecture will be of the highest calibre.”

Following the competitive evaluation of the pre-qualification questionnaire responses, a shortlist of seven teams has been selected and invited to tender. The shortlist in alphabetical order is as follows:

• Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
• Hall Black Douglas and Stanton Williams​
• Haworth Tompkins​
• Hoskins Architects
• John McAslan + Partners​
• OMA
• TODD Architects and Snøhetta​

It is anticipated that the evaluation of the submissions will conclude summer 2023 and the successful team appointed autumn 2023.