National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £5million
The £6.5million redevelopment is directed by Belfast City Council and produced by Strand Arts Centre. Once open in summer 2026, the venue will be a dedicated home for the arts in east Belfast and will include:
- state-of-the-art cinema facilities
- new performance spaces
- a new licensed café
- creative learning studios
- an interactive exhibition celebrating Northern Ireland’s iconic picture houses
The Strand has always been a treasure for east Belfast – a symbol of community, creativity and shared memories, spanning 89 years.
Mimi Turtle, Chief Executive of Strand Arts Centre
Improvements to access mean the venue can cater for a diverse range of audiences with multi-purpose spaces available for community and charity use.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we've awarded the project just over £1m. This has been matched with a further £1m from the UK Government, Belfast City Council and sponsorships driven by the Strand team. The money will help preserve and enhance this cherished cinema and variety venue, which dates back to 1935.
Mimi Turtle, Chief Executive of Strand Arts Centre, said: “The Strand has always been a treasure for east Belfast – a symbol of community, creativity and shared memories, spanning 89 years. This refurbishment ensures that its legacy endures, blending rich heritage with a bright future that celebrates the arts for generations to come.”
The Strand Arts Centre is currently operating from its temporary home in Connswater Shopping Centre during redevelopment work.
It continues to offer film screenings, events and community activities, with full details of what’s coming up in 2025 available at strandartscentre.com.
