Menu
20/06/2007
UU research backs Belfast city stadium
A team of researchers has revealed that an ‘in-town site’ for the construction of a multi-purpose stadium would be advantageous.
The research carried out by the University of Ulster and commissioned by Belfast City Council found that the vast majority of Northern Ireland stakeholders consulted had expressed strong support for a city centre location.
Its findings went against the proposals for a 35,000-seater stadium that would house soccer, GAA and soccer matches at the Maze/Long Kesh site.
Research team spokesperson David Carson, Professor of Marketing at the University of Ulster, said: “Seldom have we experienced such overwhelming evidence for one dimension namely the in-town location. In the light of this, we are concerned that such evidence has not been fully incorporated in the consideration of a stadium for Northern Ireland until now.”
Northern Ireland soccer fans have been pushing for the venue to be located within Belfast.
However, Sports Minister Edwin Poots said planning restrictions on a possible development at Ormeau Park made the project impossible.
“The advice that I have received from my Planning Service is that it’s a non-runner and we have to take their advice,” he said.
“Planning Service have indicated that their position still stands, if it is not going to get planning permission in the first instance it is a non-starter.”
The report proposes a stadium of between 20 – 30,000 which would achieve the key factors of atmosphere and user experience.
The team was made up of University of Ulster experts in the field of built environment, economics and marketing, and supported by a network of expert advisers from across the University.
They also examined modern UK stadiums, including Cardiff Millennium, Hull KC and Huddersfield Galpharm.
(JM/KMcA)
The research carried out by the University of Ulster and commissioned by Belfast City Council found that the vast majority of Northern Ireland stakeholders consulted had expressed strong support for a city centre location.
Its findings went against the proposals for a 35,000-seater stadium that would house soccer, GAA and soccer matches at the Maze/Long Kesh site.
Research team spokesperson David Carson, Professor of Marketing at the University of Ulster, said: “Seldom have we experienced such overwhelming evidence for one dimension namely the in-town location. In the light of this, we are concerned that such evidence has not been fully incorporated in the consideration of a stadium for Northern Ireland until now.”
Northern Ireland soccer fans have been pushing for the venue to be located within Belfast.
However, Sports Minister Edwin Poots said planning restrictions on a possible development at Ormeau Park made the project impossible.
“The advice that I have received from my Planning Service is that it’s a non-runner and we have to take their advice,” he said.
“Planning Service have indicated that their position still stands, if it is not going to get planning permission in the first instance it is a non-starter.”
The report proposes a stadium of between 20 – 30,000 which would achieve the key factors of atmosphere and user experience.
The team was made up of University of Ulster experts in the field of built environment, economics and marketing, and supported by a network of expert advisers from across the University.
They also examined modern UK stadiums, including Cardiff Millennium, Hull KC and Huddersfield Galpharm.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 April 2004
£4.5m Queen's research centre 'tunes up' for opening
A major new Queen's University research centre which is helping Northern Ireland lead the world in the development of music technology will be officially opened on Wednesday. The £4.
£4.5m Queen's research centre 'tunes up' for opening
A major new Queen's University research centre which is helping Northern Ireland lead the world in the development of music technology will be officially opened on Wednesday. The £4.
26 September 2003
Universities awarded £50 million research funding
Northern Ireland's two universities have been awarded £50 million to boost international research programs, it has been announced.
Universities awarded £50 million research funding
Northern Ireland's two universities have been awarded £50 million to boost international research programs, it has been announced.
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.
28 September 2001
University of Ulster opens £2m Coleraine science park
The University of Ulster has opened the doors of a new £2 million Science Innovation Centre at its Coleraine campus. The investment, which will create up to 100 jobs, will offer facilities for new biotechnology companies formed through the University’s biomedical research work.
University of Ulster opens £2m Coleraine science park
The University of Ulster has opened the doors of a new £2 million Science Innovation Centre at its Coleraine campus. The investment, which will create up to 100 jobs, will offer facilities for new biotechnology companies formed through the University’s biomedical research work.
28 October 2004
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
