Belfast Stories: Sinn Féin opposes BBC studio use in new Belfast attraction

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.”