Belfast battles for new stadium

How the Maze site could look under the new proposals

A new drive to have Northern Ireland's national stadium built in Belfast is being launched by city councillors.

Last week, a plan for the development of the former Maze Prison site near Lisburn was officially launched.

The proposals for the 360-acre site include a multi-sports stadium and "centre for conflict transformation".

However, opponents of the Maze site said Belfast was the only viable location and pointed to stadiums in major UK cities.

Councillor Bob Stoker said it was clear "the vast majority of sports fans in Northern Ireland would prefer a stadium in Belfast, which is accessible by public transport and is close to other night-time entertainment venues and hotels".

"There is a gathering momentum behind siting a multi-sports stadium in Belfast and I believe it will prove to be the most viable show in town with regard to stadium provision," he said.

'Competition launched'

Seven developers had responded to the council's recent advertisement for expressions of interest in building a Belfast stadium, said Mr Stoker, chairman of the council's community and recreation committee.

"Let there be no doubt that Belfast City Council is encouraged by the response we have had to our proposals, both in terms of sports fans and developers," he said.

"The July 25 deadline underlines our determination to proceed with our plans, regardless of plans for elsewhere, and we firmly believe that this is a viable project."

A competition has been launched for the 42,000-seater stadium hoped to be built at the site near Lisburn.

The stadium is the main element of the plan but part of the prison will be retained for the conflict transformation centre.

However, a final decision on the plans could still be 18 months ahead.