Belfast Stories design team appointed

22/11/23

A 12-month competition, led by Belfast City Council and supported by RIBA, has culminated with the appointment of an integrated design team for Belfast Stories – a unique destination set to open by 2029, unlocking almost 100 years of heritage at the 1931 Art Deco Bank of Ireland site on Royal Avenue.

The architectural appointment is a partnership between Oslo-based, Snøhetta, and Belfast-based TODD Architects. 

As a flagship project of the £850 million Belfast Region City Deal, the appointed consortium will see the 5,000m² site transformed into a state-of-the-art, interactive, and immersive visitor experience that celebrates the stories of Belfast and provides vibrant social spaces for everyone to enjoy. 

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said, “Appointing a design team is a significant milestone and we’re grateful to all those involved in the international design competition for supporting us to attract the highest calibre of talent to match the ambition we have for this unique destination. 

“Belfast Stories will transform a much-loved heritage site and continue the regeneration of this part of the city centre, as well as becoming a vibrant place for people from Belfast and further afield to come together and share in the unique character of this place and its people. 

“We look forward to inviting residents to support this unique opportunity as the appointed team determine a design that reflects local contributions.”

Whilst work on the design is yet to start, it is intended that the site will become the city’s greatest example of a climate resilient building, supporting Belfast’s position as a Top 10 globally sustainable city, according to the 2022 Global Destinations Sustainability Index.

RSUA was represented on the assessment panel by Aidan McGrath from the RSUA Design Quality Panel.