‘Gathering Momentum’ Behind Belfast Stadium
Belfast City Council today issued a detailed development brief to the 7 developers that expressed interest in the council’s proposals for a new stadium in the city (which will be funded at no cost to the ratepayer, unlike the government’s Maze Plans which will cost the taxpayer millions). The brief covers all aspects of the stadium from planning, design, development, funding, construction to operation, promotion and ongoing management. The council have set a deadline of 25th July for responses.
THe NIO are a step ahead, having released their ‘masterplan’ last week, and are currently at the stage of running a competition for the design of the stadium itself. However the NIO need to attract anything up to £300 million in investment for their project, which includes many peripheral facilities around the stadium. However, the council are still of the firm belief that a Belfast stadium is viable and their deadline illustrates that they are determined to push ahead with their plans and disprove the myth propagated by the NIO that the Maze is the only viable option.
The Council’s Bob Stoker, chair of the Community and Recreation Committee said “we have included a stipulation in the brief that the stadium should be funded at no cost to the council. That is vital at a time when ratepayers face bills of three times more than they currently pay…. the vast majority of sports fans in Northern Ireland would prefer a stadium in Belfast, which is accessible by public transport and is close to other night-time entertainment venues and hotels. There is a gathering momentum behind siting a multi-sports stadium in Belfast”
The NIO need to realise that the stadium must be brought closer to the people. Build it in Belfast