Belfast: New visitor centre to share 'authentic' history of city

Belfast Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy says the centre opening in 2029 will help tell the story of Belfast

A new visitor centre opening in 2029 will tell the "authentic" history of Belfast, the lord mayor has said.

The Belfast Stories project will be based at the site of the former Bank of Ireland building at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street.

A design team has now been appointed for the £100m development.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sinn Féin's Ryan Murphy, believes that the "warts and all" history of the city will be told with this ambitious project.

"This is a significant opportunity for us to be able to create a really big development within the city centre to tell the story of Belfast," Mr Murphy said.

"All of the history of the city, as well as being able to contribute to our own screen and creative industries throughout the project."

The Belfast Stories development will be situated at the site of the former Bank of Ireland building at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street

Details of the plan to turn the old building into a modern visitor attraction were first revealed two years ago.

In total, a 5,000sq m site has been earmarked for the development, which is being billed as a celebration of the city and its people, as well as journey through its history.

The design team includes Oslo-based Snøhetta, Belfast-based TODD Architects and construction consultants Gleeds.

The new development will include space for social and cultural events

Tourism NI's chief executive, John McGrillen said the project has the potential to "revitalise the city centre" and "contribute to the ongoing transformation of the city".

The new development will include space for social and cultural events, and is expected to become a base for film-related organisations, and a home for Northern Ireland Screen's digital film archive.