The BBC’s planned use of an enhanced studio within the £100m Belfast Stories attraction has been paused after Sinn Féin lodged a formal call-in, citing concerns over transparency and governance. Councillors approved the arrangement 30-24, but Sinn Féin’s challenge may prompt legal review and could extend the decision process into September or later. The draft deal would allow the BBC around 140 days’ use per year for at least 10 years, while the space would remain available to other cultural users. The attraction is planned for the former Bank of Ireland building and aims to open by 2030.
BBC's Role in £100m 'Belfast Stories' Attraction Paused After Sinn Féin Call-In
The BBC and other organisations, could potentially use one of the event spaces as a TV studio [Getty Images]
The agreement for the BBC to use an enhanced studio space as part of the £100m Belfast Stories visitor attraction has been put on hold after Sinn Féin lodged a formal call-in, citing concerns over transparency, fairness and governance.
What Happened
Belfast City Council approved the proposal earlier this month by a vote of 30 to 24. Sinn Féin, which holds 22 of the 60 council seats, has invoked the council’s call-in procedure to request further scrutiny of the decision.
Why Sinn Féin Called It In
"We have called in this decision because our members have repeatedly sought clarity on the engagement between senior council officials and the BBC regarding the proposed enhanced studio space within the Belfast Stories Project, yet no detailed record of those discussions has been provided."
The party insists the flagship development, delivered by Belfast City Council, should not have a financial relationship with a state broadcaster and has warned the arrangement could prompt legal action if concerns are not resolved.
Terms of the Proposed Arrangement
The draft plan would allow the BBC to use the studio for about 140 days a year for a minimum of 10 years. The space would not be exclusively branded as a BBC studio and would remain available for other organisations to host exhibitions, film screenings and cultural events.
One of the aims of the project is to boost tourism in the city centre [PA Media]
Council Response and Next Steps
The council says councillors were briefed through committee processes and party briefings before the full council vote, and it has defended the decision-making process. A spokesperson said the matter will now be considered through the call-in process and declined further comment while review is underway.
Under local rules a call-in can be requested by at least 15% of councillors if a decision is believed to be procedurally flawed or to disproportionately impact a section of the district. The review could extend into September or beyond, and the council may ask legal advisers to examine the matter.
Project Background
Belfast Stories is a proposed visitor attraction based in the former Bank of Ireland building at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street. Work is expected to begin before the end of next year and the development is due to be completed by 2030. Organisers say the attraction will use words, images and sound to tell the city’s past, present and future and to boost city-centre tourism.
Stakeholders Involved: Belfast City Council, Sinn Féin, the BBC and the independent production sector, plus local tourism and cultural organisations.
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