§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What agreement there was between the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Belfast City Arts Centre about funding; and when any funding will be made available. [HL2553]
§ Baroness AmosA business case has been prepared for a new purpose-built cultural and educational facility in Belfast City Centre. This could provide accommodation for the City of Belfast School of Music, the Old Museum Arts Centre and a new gallery space, as well as offering facilities for the performing arts department of the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education. While Laganside Corporation has identified a site to the rear of St Anne's Cathedral and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has made an in-principle commitment of £4 million of National Lottery proceeds, no decision has yet been taken on whether the proposal should proceed.