It comes after a special meeting of BCC’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee today (9 July), during which he seconded the proposal that the council submits an offer for the Grade B1 listed Assembly Rooms building, dating back to 1769, located in the city centre.

Cllr McDonough-Brown has said: “Ensuring the restoration of such a historically significant building for Belfast is something Alliance has long been campaigning for, and having consistently argued that council is in the best place to do so, we’re delighted to see this progress being made today.

“In terms of preserving our heritage sites, it’s an absolute shame that the building has been allowed to fall into such shocking disrepair. Dating back to the 1700’s, it has seen monumental social and political upheaval throughout the city and Northern Ireland in general, and has been at the heart of Belfast’s traditional arts and cultural scene.

“It'll be a full-circle moment to see it be acquired by the council with the intention of bringing it back into public use for both local residents and visitors to the city alike, as well as contributing to crucial regeneration efforts in this part of the city centre alongside the upcoming Belfast Stories attraction."