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Council welcomes independent report backing Belfast Stadium site
20 June 2007
The government has no option but to properly consider Belfast as a location for a major new sports stadium following the publication of an independent report by University of Ulster academics, Belfast City Council said today.
- Download the independent report by the University of Ulster (PDF - 4.82MB)
He said: "Belfast was never properly considered the first time around and the report provides irrefutable independent evidence of the need to go back to the drawing board.
"The locally elected politicians at the Assembly need to do what is best for Northern Ireland. They must overturn the ill-considered decision of the direct rule Ministers to site the stadium at the Maze.
“We want the government to go back to the drawing board and stop wasting taxpayers` money until they have fully considered this report and its implications.
“We want them to work with Belfast City Council and the private sector to provide a stadium that satisfies the needs of sports fans and sporting organisations. We need a solution that will boost the Northern Ireland economy rather than be a constant drain.
“Belfast is not looking for special treatment, just equal treatment, and possible locations across the city need to be properly considered and not dismissed for reasons of political expediency.”
The UU report `Multi-purpose Sports Stadium In Town versus Out Of Town Location` highlighted overwhelming support for in-town sites as the most advantageous location for multi-purpose sports stadiums.
The research also identified a global model of best practice in stadium development and operation, taking account of regeneration, economic and infrastructural perspectives, and not least the need for a sustainable business model which, broadly, balances sports events, concerts and conferences and exhibitions.
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