Belfast City Council has launched market engagement ahead of issuing a tender for the £84m Belfast Stories project.
The council is seeking early contractor involvement for the scheme, which is due to start on site in January 2027.
A prior information notice, issued today (23 September), outlined the council’s plans to appoint a contractor to deliver the development’s main works package.
The contract – valued at £70m excluding VAT – will run for just over four years, ending in March 2031.
A confirmed procurement route has not been set, but the council may opt for direct tender or a framework.
Interested parties must register their interest by 3pm on 26 September to obtain a questionnaire. The pre-market engagement will help shape the specification, evaluation criteria, pricing model, and contract structure, the council said.
The deadline to engage with the council is 7 October, and it expects to issue a tender three days later.
The main works contract will be procured through the eSourcing NI platform. Planning approval and cost agreements will be required before construction begins, the council said.
Belfast Stories is expected to deliver a major cultural and tourism facility in the city centre. It will involve a public space, visitor attraction and creative hub on a 5,000 square metre site at the junction of North Street and Royal Avenue meet, including the Art Deco former Bank of Ireland buildings.
Source: Gov.uk Find a Tender / Belfast City Council
