The Belfast City Council has announced the acquisition of the historic Bank of Ireland building on Royal Avenue, slated along with the surrounding 4000 sq m to be developed into a £100M "Belfast Stories" tourist attraction as part of the Belfast Region City Deal unveiled last week.

Plans are to restore the wonderful Art Deco building and develop it and the area around it into a "transformative regenerative project" that will tell the stories of Belfast and its people through an interactive visitor experience.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Kate Nicholl said:

“Belfast Stories will reflect the unique spirit of our city through a variety of media and immersive experiences. It will drive culture-led regeneration across the city, giving us the opportunity to put the people of Belfast and their stories at its heart.

“It’s an investment, not just in monetary terms, but in our people and the generations to come, and an important investment in our heritage and in our future. This is a hugely positive news story for the city and will reap benefits not just for our tourism sector, but in the creation of new jobs and regenerating communities."

Belfast Stories is due to open in 2028.