The Balmoral Show – the North’s equivalent of the Dublin Spring Show – seems set to move to the old Maze Prison site after 116 years at its south Belfast site.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), which runs the annual three-day show each May, confirmed yesterday that the Northern Executive has granted it permission to buy a 65-acre site at the Maze, near Lisburn.
Neither the agricultural society nor the Northern Executive would say what sums are involved, although the RUAS has earmarked almost £4 million to develop the Maze site.
The first annual show at Balmoral was held in June 1896. The RUAS, then known as the North East Agricultural Association of Ireland, was formed in 1854.
The society will require formal permission from its 3,000 members to leave its site around the King’s Hall in Belfast in order to transfer to the Maze. If it gets the go-ahead the current expectation is that the 2013 show will be at the Maze.
The art deco King’s Hall will be maintained, as it is a listed building, but there is planning permission to build 140 houses on the large grounds around the hall. The RUAS is exploring carrying out this project in conjunction with a partner or partners.
The RUAS chief executive, Colin McDonald, said the society was pleased the “first step” of this process was in place. “This will allow us to engage with our members and get their feedback to ensure that the new development will meet the requirements of each sector of the society,” he said.
“The RUAS council have progressed the scheme to a high level but it can’t go forward without member approval. Members need to be made aware of every piece of the strategic jigsaw so that they are able to make an informed decision and ensure the future of the Society,” added Mr McDonald.
