Menu
23/01/2004
Sports Minister to decide on viability of NI stadium
Sports Minister Angela Smith has announced the commissioning of a business plan to finally decide whether a sports stadium for Northern Ireland would be commercially viable.
The Minister said: “For years there has been argument and debate about such a stadium and I believe it is now time to see whether the figures stack up. The three sports which would be most closely involved in any future project – soccer, rugby and Gaelic games – are currently looking at their future needs and that is why I want to explore the issue in greater detail.”
The Minister explained that the exercise would examine issues such as the commitment of the three sports to such a stadium, the level of capital investment required and long-term sustainability, including ownership, management and operation.
She added: “After discussing the issue with my Ministerial colleague, Ian Pearson, I have asked the Strategic Investment Board (SIB), which has been set up to advise on Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, to carry out this work immediately. I want to make it clear, however, that this does not commit the Government to building a stadium I just want to establish in principle whether the project is commercially viable and for that reason the consultants’ brief will not, at this stage, include the examination of possible sites where a stadium might be built.”
The exercise will be managed by SIB Strategic Adviser, Tony Whitehead, who was part of the financial team that put together the financial package that rescued Wembley Stadium.
SIB expects to report back to the Minister with a firm answer by the end of May.
(KMcA)
The Minister said: “For years there has been argument and debate about such a stadium and I believe it is now time to see whether the figures stack up. The three sports which would be most closely involved in any future project – soccer, rugby and Gaelic games – are currently looking at their future needs and that is why I want to explore the issue in greater detail.”
The Minister explained that the exercise would examine issues such as the commitment of the three sports to such a stadium, the level of capital investment required and long-term sustainability, including ownership, management and operation.
She added: “After discussing the issue with my Ministerial colleague, Ian Pearson, I have asked the Strategic Investment Board (SIB), which has been set up to advise on Northern Ireland’s infrastructure, to carry out this work immediately. I want to make it clear, however, that this does not commit the Government to building a stadium I just want to establish in principle whether the project is commercially viable and for that reason the consultants’ brief will not, at this stage, include the examination of possible sites where a stadium might be built.”
The exercise will be managed by SIB Strategic Adviser, Tony Whitehead, who was part of the financial team that put together the financial package that rescued Wembley Stadium.
SIB expects to report back to the Minister with a firm answer by the end of May.
(KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
24 July 2009
NI Sports Stadium: Options Weighed-up
Provision of a top-class sports stadium for Northern Ireland is again back on the agenda.
NI Sports Stadium: Options Weighed-up
Provision of a top-class sports stadium for Northern Ireland is again back on the agenda.
08 April 2009
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
Maze Stadium Plan Officially 'Dead'
The Maze Stadium plan is officially cancelled. The Stormont Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister today announced that the mooted MLK Masterplan won't now proceed in its original proposed form.
14 May 2008
Maze 'Ignored' As UK Sports Cabinet Meets
While controversy continues to surround the proposed creation of a Northern Ireland Sports Stadium - most recently with news that local sports chiefs said there was no viable alternative to the original proposal for the former Maze prison outside Lisburn - a high profile delegation is today in Belfast to discuss Northern Ireland's overall sporting
Maze 'Ignored' As UK Sports Cabinet Meets
While controversy continues to surround the proposed creation of a Northern Ireland Sports Stadium - most recently with news that local sports chiefs said there was no viable alternative to the original proposal for the former Maze prison outside Lisburn - a high profile delegation is today in Belfast to discuss Northern Ireland's overall sporting
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 WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
