6. Assessment of impacts
Belfast City Council recognises that Belfast Stories has the potential to impact differently on people and groups associated with the nine Section 75 equality categories. Barriers that particular groups face to activity that is similar in nature to Belfast Stories include emotional barriers (such as anxiety or discomfort); interest barriers (not relevant, don’t know what’s available); practical barriers (cost, transport); and societal barriers (racism, ableism).
The Belfast Stories Equality Framework established broad parameters to help ensure that barriers are removed and that equality, diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of the project’s development. This included recommending regular screening, consultation and engagement and co-design and inclusive design processes.
Accordingly, the first EQIA and public consultation took place between August and November 2022. There was extensive engagement, reaching over 4,000 people. It found exceptionally high levels of support including across all Section 75 equality categories, and many consultees reflected on the potential positive impact on equality of opportunity and good relations. Consultees – often those with lived experience of missing out or being less heard – also provided insights and further tactics to support equality of opportunity and promote good relations.
Findings from the first consultation were then used to inform the architectural concept. Initial designs showed multiple, broad entrances; a wide, open courtyard; and accessible public space.
The second EQIA and public consultation took place between November 2024 and February 2025. Extensive engagement included 514 survey responses and 63 consultation sessions engaging over 838 participants across a range of stakeholder groups. Once again, consultees generously shared their lived experience to help make Belfast Stories inclusive and welcoming.
In relation to the architectural concept, consultees provided valuable insights and advice on how different visitors might enter, navigate and exit the building; the provision of key facilities (such as restrooms, Changing Places, quiet areas and help points); and the application of inclusive design principles (for example, Age-, Autism- and Dementia-friendly design).
Consultees identified key aspects of the building design that would make them feel welcome. This included the open, permeable architectural design; wide, step-free entrances; and access to free, high-quality public space.
Aspects of the building that people felt might present a barrier included the building’s façade and frontage, which some felt was unwelcoming.
Consultees encouraged further consideration of the internal layout, including the location of key facilities such as quiet areas and help points; materials; acoustics; and how inclement weather, nuisance and anti-social behaviour could be designed out or managed.
The current public consultation presents more detailed plans for the building’s exterior and internal layout, considering feedback from previous consultations. This includes a new façade, increased and more flexible public space, an enclosed central courtyard, stairs and lifts replacing a gradual walkway and a designated main entrance (while maintaining a choice of entrances from different approaches).
The current consultation plan identifies groups who are less likely to access, experience or feel represented in Belfast Stories and sets down a range of tactics to uncover further evidence and mitigate potential differential impact. Central to this is the experts by experience consultation forum, which will bring together representatives from key equality groups.
At the end of this public consultation, Belfast City Council will collate and analyse all feedback, which will be used to produce a final EQIA decision report and further shape the development of Belfast Stories. This consultation welcomes further evidence of any impacts on Section 75 groups.
