Plans to keep the Waterfront and Ulster Halls in Belfast under the direct management of the Belfast City Council (BCC) have been turned down.

Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile said he was disappointed with the decision.

Councillor Ó Donnghaile said: "Sinn Féin proposed new management arrangements for the Waterfront and Ulster halls as an enhanced 'in-house' model.

-- Advertisement --

"It's clear that the new conference centre at the Waterfront will have to act commercially and in a highly competitive market. However, a restructured and enhanced 'in-house' management model could have delivered this.

"We consulted with the Trade Unions, Waterfront Staff and management, as well as senior management in the City Council on our proposal.

"This proposal was rejected by other parties on the council. They voted in favour of the establishment of a council-owned commercial company, which would take on the management of the facilities instead."

(CD/JP)