THE BELFAST BLOG

WILL IT EVER HAPPEN

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The Bank of Ireland building on North Street was acquired by Belfast City Council in 2021, along with the adjacent 4,000 square meter site. This means the council is now responsible for the building’s maintenance and future development.

The council has ambitious plans for the site, which is intended to be the centrepiece of a £100 million tourism project called “Belfast Stories.” This project aims to showcase the city’s rich history and culture through a variety of exhibits, interactive displays, and events. The Bank of Ireland building itself will be a key part of this project, with plans to potentially use it as a visitor centre or exhibition space.

As for the site beside the Bank of Ireland building, it is unclear what was specifically planned for it before the council’s acquisition. However, given its prime location in the city centre, it is likely that various development proposals were considered over the years. With the council now in control of the entire site, it will be interesting to see how they integrate this adjacent space into the overall “Belfast Stories” project.

It’s worth noting that while the council’s plans for the site are ambitious, there may be challenges ahead. The Bank of Ireland building itself is in poor condition and will require significant investment to restore it to its former glory. Additionally, the ongoing economic uncertainty caused by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic could potentially impact the timeline and scope of the “Belfast Stories” project.

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