§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when building work will commence on the Arts Venue for the Cathedral Quarter; what the anticipated completion date is; what the estimate cost of the project is; and what additional funding has been identified as necessary to ensure the viability of the project. [178553]
§ Angela SmithA business case is currently being considered for a new purpose-built cultural and educational facility in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. No decision has yet been taken on whether the proposal should proceed. The capital costs of the project are currently estimated at between £23 million and £27 million. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has made an in-principle commitment of £4 million of National Lottery funds towards these costs. Current projections suggest that additional revenue funding of over £1 million would be required in the initial three-year period before the facility becomes fully operational and meets its income potential.