Deal between BBC and Belfast City Council to go ahead despite opposition

A proposed deal between the BBC and Belfast City Council for a new city-centre studio space, linked to the £100m Belfast Stories visitor attraction, will move ahead despite opposition from Sinn Féin. The party sought to overturn a July decision by the council, which has 60 members, after legal advice was taken and no fault was found. Former Belfast Lord Mayor Michael Long (Alliance) said he hoped the project would not face further delays, arguing it could bring jobs and support creative industries. Belfast Stories will be housed in a former Bank of Ireland building near CastleCourt on Royal Avenue. The council says work could lead to construction by end-2027, pending planning and business-case approval.