Belfast told of “significant” chance to build new national stadium that would earn £100m a year

A fresh proposal has reignited the debate over Northern Ireland's long-term stadium strategy following the scaling back of Casement Park.

Business leaders believe Belfast has an opportunity to deliver a landmark venue capable of transforming the city's economy.

Belfast urged to consider new national stadium venue

A leading Belfast business figure has called for a new multi-purpose national stadium to be built closer to the city centre, arguing it could generate around £100 million a year in economic benefits.

Chris McCracken, managing director of the Linen Quarter BID, believes a site at Grosvenor could accommodate a stadium similar in scale to Cardiff's Principality Stadium, which he described as a “place-making masterpiece” to the Irish Times.

He argues the proposed location, close to Belfast Grand Central Station, would offer far better accessibility than Casement Park while creating a venue capable of hosting major sporting events, concerts and conferences.

The proposal comes after plans for Casement Park were scaled back, with concerns over costs, capacity and the constraints of its residential surroundings limiting its ability to stage the biggest international events.

McCracken believes a redeveloped Casement Park can continue to serve Gaelic games in west Belfast, while a new national stadium could meet the wider needs of Northern Ireland by attracting major sporting and entertainment events.

His vision also includes a national sports museum, with the aim of creating a year-round destination that would boost tourism and support local hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses.

Using Cardiff as an example, McCracken pointed to the Principality Stadium's estimated £100 million annual economic impact and argued Belfast has the opportunity to deliver a similarly transformative project.

FGG says: An idea worth exploring

The debate over Northern Ireland's stadium infrastructure has largely centred on Casement Park, but this proposal highlights a wider question about the type of national venue Belfast needs for the future.

A centrally located, multi-purpose stadium could bring sporting, cultural and economic benefits well beyond matchdays.

It remains only a concept at this stage, but the comparison with Cardiff is a compelling one. If a viable site, funding model and political backing can be found, a modern national stadium in Belfast would make long-term sense for both the city and Northern Ireland as a whole.