Belfast City Council discussed BBC involvement in the Belfast Stories project at its most recent meeting. Sinn Féin councillor Áine McCabe voiced opposition to the BBC using the planned event space as a TV studio. A council official interrupted her and asked media to leave the chamber due to commercial and financial matters.

The £100m Belfast Stories development occupies the former Bank of Ireland building at the Royal Avenue and North Street junction. It will present the city's history, current state and future through words, pictures and sounds. Construction is set to begin in 2027 with an opening targeted for 2030.

Plans include a studio/event space available to the BBC and other organisations. The council's website details this feature for the listed Art Deco building from the 1920s.

A council spokesperson confirmed ongoing discussions with the BBC on supporting the creative sector through the event space. These talks address commercial sensitivities. Elected members agreed in March to receive a report on the event space's operating model.

A BBC spokesperson stated the organisation is considering a role in Belfast Stories to aid the creative economy and its audiences. Discussions continue.

Sinn Féin indicated it will comment after the council reaches an agreement.