Floral Hall at Belfast Zoo to receive £500,000 boost as Belfast City Council approves capital funding

The derelict Floral Hall at Belfast Zoo. (Image: David Lee Drone)

The historic Floral Hall at Belfast Zoo is set to benefit from a £500,000 investment after Belfast City Council agreed funding as part of its 2026/27 rate setting process, marking a first step towards restoring the landmark Art Deco ballroom in north Belfast.

As part of this week’s rate setting decisions, councillors confirmed that £15.8 million has been allocated towards 20 capital projects across the city, including repair works at Floral Hall. Members also agreed an increase in the district rate for 2026/27 of 4.48%.

£15.8m capital programme agreed

The council’s capital package includes projects at Cathedral Gardens, Wilmont House, Assembly Rooms and Fernhill House, alongside the redevelopment of Ballysillan Playing Fields and new facilities at Waterworks and Alexandra Park through the PEACE PLUS Reconnected Belfast project.

The derelict Floral Hall at Belfast Zoo. (Image: David Lee Drone)

Within that programme, £500,000 has been approved in 2026 for a new roof at Floral Hall, aimed at making the listed building fully watertight as part of a longer-term restoration effort.

Floral Hall’s cultural legacy in Belfast

Situated within the grounds of Belfast Zoo, Floral Hall opened in 1936 as a premier entertainment venue. Designed by David W. Boyd, it was built two years after the zoo itself and originally formed part of the Bellevue Pleasure Gardens, created by Belfast Corporation to encourage tourism and greater use of the local tramway system.

Known as a “ballroom of romance”, the 1930s Art Deco building featured a circular domed roof, café facilities and space for up to 1,000 people.

Over the decades it hosted dances, roller discos and concerts by internationally recognised artists including Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, The Small Faces and Roy Orbison.

However, amid The Troubles and changing entertainment trends, the venue closed in 1972 and has since fallen into disrepair.

“A new lease of life” for a listed landmark

Welcoming the investment, Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said:

“The historic Floral Hall is set for a new lease of life with a £500,000 investment from Belfast City Council.

“Located within the grounds of Belfast Zoo, the building first opened in 1936. It began as a dance hall and later became a concert venue, welcoming major acts including Pink Floyd.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane with Councillor Luke Meenehan in front of the derelict Floral Hall

“Once fully restored, Floral Hall has huge potential to create lasting memories for a new generation of families and visitors.

“I look forward to seeing the project progress & to the role it will play in strengthening north Belfast’s growing cultural & tourism offering.”

The building, which is listed for its architectural importance, has undergone an extensive asbestos clearing operation following years of deterioration. That work has now been completed.

Next phase fully funded

The derelict Floral Hall at Belfast Zoo. (Image: David Lee Drone)

Local SDLP councillor Carl Whyte said the latest funding secures the next stage of the restoration:

“This half million pounds will mean the installation of a new roof on Belfast’s iconic Foral Hall.

“Unfortunately since it closed the building has fallen into such bad disrepair that an extensive asbestos clearing operation had to be undertaken. That is now completed and the next phase of restoring the building is now fully funded.

“This will make the building fully watertight and the next stage will be to engage with people across Belfast to decide how we bring the Floral Hall back to public use to benefit the community in North Belfast and our city as a whole.

“For many people the Floral Hall holds special memories. It hosted major acts including Pink Floyd and Roy Orbison and was a hub for dances and roller skating. I hope this investment allows a new generation to create their own memories here and plays a real role in regenerating this part of our city.”

The derelict Floral Hall at Belfast Zoo. (Image: David Lee Drone)

Once restored, the venue is expected to offer potential as a wedding and event space, while contributing to tourism and cultural activity in north Belfast.

For residents who remember its heyday, the funding represents progress after decades of uncertainty over the future of one of the city’s most recognisable entertainment venues.