Menu
23/02/2005
National NI stadium a step closer to reality
A cross-party body set up to look into the feasibility of a National sports stadium for Northern Ireland has agreed on a plan to have the £55 million project built on the old Maze Prison site in Co Antrim.
The report by the Maze Consultation Panel will be sent to the Government who will then make a final decision on such a move that could see a 30,000 seat arena for soccer, rugby and GAA, being built on site of the former prison.
If the development goes ahead, the panel believes it could lead to £1 billion of public and private investment. It would also see the hospital where republican hunger strikers died in the early 1980’s be retained, while an International Centre for Conflict Transformation would be built on another part of the site.
Last month, Sports Minister Angela Smith said no decision would be taken until a detailed economic appraisal and business case had been completed, however, she confirmed that three possible locations had been shortlisted for a new stadium.
The sites at the Maze, North Foreshore and Titanic Quarter were confirmed following a question at a Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting from DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson.
The government has insisted the stadium would only be built if it attracts tripartite backing from the ruling bodies for soccer, rugby and GAA.
(MB/SP)
The report by the Maze Consultation Panel will be sent to the Government who will then make a final decision on such a move that could see a 30,000 seat arena for soccer, rugby and GAA, being built on site of the former prison.
If the development goes ahead, the panel believes it could lead to £1 billion of public and private investment. It would also see the hospital where republican hunger strikers died in the early 1980’s be retained, while an International Centre for Conflict Transformation would be built on another part of the site.
Last month, Sports Minister Angela Smith said no decision would be taken until a detailed economic appraisal and business case had been completed, however, she confirmed that three possible locations had been shortlisted for a new stadium.
The sites at the Maze, North Foreshore and Titanic Quarter were confirmed following a question at a Northern Ireland Grand Committee meeting from DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson.
The government has insisted the stadium would only be built if it attracts tripartite backing from the ruling bodies for soccer, rugby and GAA.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 May 2008
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
05 June 2006
Belfast launches drive for sports stadium
Belfast City Council are today to launch a new drive to have Northern Ireland's national sports stadium built in Belfast. This comes a week after the government's proposal for the development of the 42,000-seater stadium on the former Maze Prison site near Lisburn were officially launched.
Belfast launches drive for sports stadium
Belfast City Council are today to launch a new drive to have Northern Ireland's national sports stadium built in Belfast. This comes a week after the government's proposal for the development of the 42,000-seater stadium on the former Maze Prison site near Lisburn were officially launched.
13 June 2008
Maze Stadium Plan 'A Winner' Says Former Minister
Locating Northern Ireland's national stadium at the former Maze prison site is the only worthy option - according to a former NI Executive Minister. Edwin Poots, speaking for the first time since being replaced as Arts and Culture Minister, does not believe he had lost his job because of his support for the controversial Maze stadium project.
Maze Stadium Plan 'A Winner' Says Former Minister
Locating Northern Ireland's national stadium at the former Maze prison site is the only worthy option - according to a former NI Executive Minister. Edwin Poots, speaking for the first time since being replaced as Arts and Culture Minister, does not believe he had lost his job because of his support for the controversial Maze stadium project.
10 March 2008
Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
There are no immediate plans for Northern Ireland's leading unionist party to veto proposals to build a contentious sports stadium at the Maze.
Still No Decision On Maze Stadium
There are no immediate plans for Northern Ireland's leading unionist party to veto proposals to build a contentious sports stadium at the Maze.
31 January 2006
Sports Minister tours Maze stadium site
Northern Ireland Sports Minister David Hanson has visited the Maze to tour the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium.
Sports Minister tours Maze stadium site
Northern Ireland Sports Minister David Hanson has visited the Maze to tour the site for the proposed multi-sports stadium.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
