BBC deal in jeopardy for studio use in Belfast attraction

A proposed deal between the BBC and Belfast City Council over a new studio is in jeopardy due to opposition led by Sinn Féin.

A council committee has voted against a commercial agreement linked to the £100m Belfast Stories development in the city centre.

Sinn Féin said the council "should not have a financial relationship with a state broadcaster".

However, attempts are being made to try to reverse the decision taken by the City Hall committee.

Another vote may be taken on Wednesday evening by the full 60-member council.

It has emerged that a committee voted 11-8 against the plan earlier this month.

A Belfast City Council spokesperson confirmed the proposed agreement was for BBC use of an "event space".

The Belfast Stories centre is expected to open in 2030, and become a city centre visitor attraction.

Based at the site of the former Bank of Ireland building at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street, it will use words, pictures and sounds to illustrate the city's past, present and future.

BBC Northern Ireland is keen to become involved.

A spokesperson said: "We have been working with Belfast City Council on opportunities linked to a large-scale studio space as part of its Belfast Stories initiative.

"Our discussions have focused on how such a development could enhance local screen and production capabilities, and its multiplier benefits for the wider creative economy."

Sinn Féin is the largest party on the council, with 22 seats, and is against the BBC's commercial involvement in Belfast Stories.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: "Belfast City Council, as a democratic local authority, should maintain its independence from broadcasters.

"Belfast Stories should be shaped by the people of Belfast, through their elected council, free from any influence that could undermine the project's independence or public confidence."

Representatives from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and the Green Party also voted against the agreement with the BBC at the recent committee meeting.

However, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Alliance Party are in favour of the BBC deal.

It is believed the plan would allow the broadcaster use of the studio space for 140 days a year for at least 10 years.

It would not have exclusive access to the space and it would not be branded as a BBC studio, as other organisations could use it, for exhibitions, film-screenings or other cultural events.

Plans for the Belfast Stories project were first revealed in 2021.

It is believed the event space being discussed is larger than the original plan and might cost an extra £10m.

However, the council would receive a financial return with the BBC and other organisations paying for use of the space.

Alliance councillor Jenna Maghie called on parties opposed to the plan to reconsider.

She said: "At a time when our arts and cultural sector is already facing an uphill battle to be able to continue delivering the works of film and TV magic that have put Northern Ireland's creative industries on the map, to see this project fall short of its potential would be immensely disappointing."