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Date: 24 September 2025
Category: City Deal
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Significant rewards are already being reaped from the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) decade-long programme of investment – that was the consensus from today’s meeting of the BRCD Council Panel at Belfast City Hall.
The annual report was the central focus of the meeting, highlighting several key Belfast Region City Deal milestones being reached:
Studio Ulster has opened in Belfast, one of the most advanced hubs in the world for real-time filmmaking, animation, in-camera VFX and immersive media. Developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by Northern Ireland Screen, Studio Ulster is not only transforming film and TV production workflows, it’s also shaping the next generation of talent and driving sustainable economic growth.
The UK Digital Twin Centre has opened in Belfast, delivered by Digital Catapult and funded by BRCD and Innovate UK, helping businesses in high growth areas like advanced manufacturing to solve complex operational challenges with cutting-edge technology, expert support, and test environments.
Work has started on iREACH Health in Belfast, led by Queen’s University Belfast. When it opens in 2027, the research centre will enhance patient care by accelerating the development and deployment of new medical treatments through clinical trials. Construction also continues on the AMIC (Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre) site at Global Point, Newtownabbey and the centre is due to open next year.
The contract for funding has been signed for i4C Cleantech hub at the St Patrick’s regeneration site, Ballymena.
Integrated design teams are continuing to progress designs for Bangor Waterfront, Belfast Stories, Destination Royal Hillsborough, Carrickfergus Regeneration and The Gobbins Phase 2 and construction is due to start shortly on the Theatre and Conference facilities, Civic Hub and associated public realm in Newry city centre.
21 contracts have been awarded, incorporating social value clauses which have resulted in people receiving paid employment, apprenticeships and skills development, as well as health and wellbeing and community engagement initiatives.
Skills assessments for the Creative Industries (Virtual Production) and Digital sectors were also completed in the last year.
Chair of today’s meeting, Belfast City Council Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said: “It’s hugely rewarding to see the progress already being made on the Belfast Region City Deal – and the resulting social and economic benefits. As partners, we set out, over the period of a decade, to support the creation of up to 20,000 new and better jobs for people living here, to place the region at the top table of digital innovation, to create compelling world-class visitor attractions such as Belfast Stories and to help to regenerate our major towns and cities so we can deliver truly inclusive growth. And that’s exactly what we’re doing, right now.
“It’s incredible what can be achieved when we have a common vision, combined with resources, knowledge, energy and commitment. What the Belfast Region City Deal partners are delivering together is so much greater than what could be done individually. Not only is our collaboration already creating new contract opportunities for local businesses, skills development and globally outstanding resources to avail of – it’s building a much-enhanced international investment proposition for the city and region. And even more reason for people to choose to make this beautiful place their home.”
Members also received an update on Belfast Stories, the landmark visitor attraction, public space and creative hub which is set to transform Royal Avenue when it opens in 2030, as well as reviewing recommendations to help ensure a qualified workforce for the growth in our digital sector, expected to result from the four City and Growth Deal programmes of investment in Northern Ireland.
To view the annual report, and for more information about the Belfast Region City Deal, visit www.belfastregioncitydeal.co.uk