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. The project is not just about the city centre however - we will also be connecting it to the development of neighbourhood tourism.” We will also have a physical consultation hub at 2 Royal Avenue and pop-up consultation hubs throughout the city. Belfast Stories will be a new visitor attraction that will open at the former Bank of Ireland buildings, 92 Royal Avenue by 2028. Special values: (values that are important to the people of Belfast, values that best reflect the city)

There are also differences according to multiple identities: for example, young men are harder to engage than young women or men generally; they are much less likely to participate in activities such as reading; but they are much more likely to engage in some digital culture such as playing computer games. Disabled people Complete the online survey at yoursay.belfastcity.gov.uk(link opens in new window) Gathering storiesprinciples and themes We look forward to inviting residents to support this unique opportunity as the appointed team determine a design that reflects local contributions.” This public consultation will gather ideas and evidence to help shape the design brief. It will focus on: In December 2021, Belfast City Council announced its plans for a new visitor attraction in Belfast city centre.act as a critical friend, helping to equity-proof and shape the design of the building and its experiences 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. Footnote 5] See, for example, www.gov.uk/government/statistics/taking-part-201920-arts/arts-taking-part-survey-201920(link opens in new window) a range of tailored engagement tools from online surveys and quizzes to focus groups, creative workshops and hard-hat tours

The positive impact of delivering the Belfast Stories development will be felt for many years to come, with the seeds sewn now as we look ahead to opening the venue in 2028. I am immensely pleased that we are at this point in our BRCD journey and to have reached this important milestone. It is evidence of what can be achieved when there is common purpose, and I think we’re spearheading a new way of public-private sector working which will make a really positive difference to people’s lives here.” An integrated design team has now been appointed for the project following a 12-month competition led by Belfast City Council and supported by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba). There are also other ways to share your views or learn more about Belfast Stories. We have listed these at the end of this document. Why are we consulting?

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It details how the physical building and its contents will be supported by wider programmes of storytelling and development. Consultation and Engagement Framework

Outcome one: Strong, positive and transformative civic leadership – inclusive governance with community changemakers The concept Belfast Stories has been broadly welcomed in all consultation carried out to date. Make Yourself at Home tourism strategy consultationUnder Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, all public bodies, including Belfast City Council must have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious beliefs, political opinion or racial group.

existing story collections and collectors (museums, archives, libraries, local history groups and so on) From early 2023 we will be developing the design brief for this new visitor attraction. The design brief describes – in general terms – what we are trying to do, why, when and how much it will cost. A green rooftop urban park is also being considered as part of the early project plans offering panoramic views across the city.The council’s Good Relations Strategy was adopted in 2019. It states that it “aims to promote sharing over separation and the economic, social and environmental benefits of such. We need to continue to create spaces for communities to interact and make connections with each other, moving from parallel living to meaningful relationships and casual interactions”. I am Belfast” is the voice of a person at the core of the framework. The draft principles and themes for gathering stories