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19/05/2008
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is now believed to be interested in the former Maze prison site, and with doubts now openly expressed about the future of the proposed multi-sport stadium project for that location - with escalating costs now entering the formerly political debate - it seems more likely than ever that the 2009, or possibly the 2010 Balmoral Show will in fact take place at the Maze site near Lisburn instead.
It has now emerged that the projected cost of building a stadium at the former Maze prison site is thought to be substantially higher than its reported £100m price tag.
This has been reported as an appraisal of the business plan has been given to NI Executive Finance Minister Peter Robinson.
He has indicated that a decision is due on the location of a multi-sports stadium for Northern Ireland by the end of this month.
But the cost factor means there are fresh doubts over the future of the Maze stadium project as Mr Robinson is expected to put together a summary of the report to present to the Executive for discussion.
It had been thought he may bring a recommendation to the Cabinet, but the emphasis is expected to be very much on a collective decision.
Last week, Mr Robinson said that even if the stadium did not go ahead, something would have to be built on the 260-acre site.
The Executive is mindful that if it cannot make productive use of the Maze, it will undermine its case for seeking other government owned land - such as former Army bases - for development.
Mr Robinson has said that if the Maze stadium does not go ahead, the main football, rugby and GAA stadia across Northern Ireland would be improved.
However, the need for a national stadium in Northern Ireland has divided political opinion with Sinn Fein not willing to support the idea unless it is on the site of the former Maze Prison, while some unionists oppose the Maze site because of plans for a conflict transformation centre at the stadium.
But, the GAA, Irish FA and Ulster Rugby have confirmed they would play at the Maze venue and are in favour of the business case for a 35,000-seater stadium capable of hosting major football, rugby and Gaelic matches as part of the regeneration of the Maze site which Stormont Sports Minister Edwin Poots had outlined.
However, some Northern Ireland football fans have been opposed to international games being staged at the Maze, arguing it would be much better to build a new stadium in Belfast City instead of a site nearer the much smaller City of Lisburn.
(BMcC)
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society is now believed to be interested in the former Maze prison site, and with doubts now openly expressed about the future of the proposed multi-sport stadium project for that location - with escalating costs now entering the formerly political debate - it seems more likely than ever that the 2009, or possibly the 2010 Balmoral Show will in fact take place at the Maze site near Lisburn instead.
It has now emerged that the projected cost of building a stadium at the former Maze prison site is thought to be substantially higher than its reported £100m price tag.
This has been reported as an appraisal of the business plan has been given to NI Executive Finance Minister Peter Robinson.
He has indicated that a decision is due on the location of a multi-sports stadium for Northern Ireland by the end of this month.
But the cost factor means there are fresh doubts over the future of the Maze stadium project as Mr Robinson is expected to put together a summary of the report to present to the Executive for discussion.
It had been thought he may bring a recommendation to the Cabinet, but the emphasis is expected to be very much on a collective decision.
Last week, Mr Robinson said that even if the stadium did not go ahead, something would have to be built on the 260-acre site.
The Executive is mindful that if it cannot make productive use of the Maze, it will undermine its case for seeking other government owned land - such as former Army bases - for development.
Mr Robinson has said that if the Maze stadium does not go ahead, the main football, rugby and GAA stadia across Northern Ireland would be improved.
However, the need for a national stadium in Northern Ireland has divided political opinion with Sinn Fein not willing to support the idea unless it is on the site of the former Maze Prison, while some unionists oppose the Maze site because of plans for a conflict transformation centre at the stadium.
But, the GAA, Irish FA and Ulster Rugby have confirmed they would play at the Maze venue and are in favour of the business case for a 35,000-seater stadium capable of hosting major football, rugby and Gaelic matches as part of the regeneration of the Maze site which Stormont Sports Minister Edwin Poots had outlined.
However, some Northern Ireland football fans have been opposed to international games being staged at the Maze, arguing it would be much better to build a new stadium in Belfast City instead of a site nearer the much smaller City of Lisburn.
(BMcC)
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17 January 2006
Discussions to begin on site for sports stadium
The proposal for a international sports stadium at the former Maze site is to be discussed by the Irish Football Association at a meeting on Thursday night.
Discussions to begin on site for sports stadium
The proposal for a international sports stadium at the former Maze site is to be discussed by the Irish Football Association at a meeting on Thursday night.
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.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
24 July 2007
Maze decision time for Sports Minister
Northern Ireland Assembly members will cut short their summer break to hold a ‘special’ debate on the issue of the proposed sports stadium at the Maze. Sports Minister Edwin Poots has shown his support to the proposed 35,000-seater stadium that will host soccer, Gaelic games and rugby and has also backed the location of the stadium.
Maze decision time for Sports Minister
Northern Ireland Assembly members will cut short their summer break to hold a ‘special’ debate on the issue of the proposed sports stadium at the Maze. Sports Minister Edwin Poots has shown his support to the proposed 35,000-seater stadium that will host soccer, Gaelic games and rugby and has also backed the location of the stadium.
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.
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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.
