Belfast City Hall to keep its Augmented Reality experience at a cost of £78K

Belfast City Hall’s Augmented Reality (AR) experience will continue operating for another year, sustained by £78,000 in funding approved by local councillors. Simultaneously, the council has allocated £100,000 to develop a business case for a broader, £5 million Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption program across the six Belfast Region City Deal councils.

Augmented Reality at City Hall: A Continued Investment

The AR experience, which utilizes iPads and video displays to present the history, geography, and cultural elements of Belfast in an interactive format, initially launched as a six-month collaboration. Following its success, councillors unanimously agreed to extend the project until April 2026 at a meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in January.

Did You Know? Over the past 18 months, the Belfast City Hall Augmented Reality experience was used over 50,694 times by visitors.

A council officer report indicated the need for £78,000 to cover technical updates required to maintain the system beyond its original lifespan, as well as ongoing staffing costs. The report highlighted “overwhelming positive feedback” from both visitors and staff, noting particular appeal among younger audiences.

Data presented by council officials suggests the AR experience has demonstrably increased visitor engagement. Attendees spent 30 percent more time in the exhibit rooms, and visits from families and partners rose by 25 percent. City Hall tour attendance also increased by 14.5 percent during the period the experience was active.

The AR experience immerses visitors in Belfast’s history and potential future. It begins in a virtual library, featuring local voices and stories, and then transports users through 3D maps of the city. Visitors can interact with historical figures like Peggy Barclay and explore visions of the future inspired by local schoolchildren, including concepts like flying cars and innovative architectural designs.

AI Adoption Program: A Regional Initiative

Alongside the continuation of the AR experience, the Belfast Council is proactively planning for the integration of AI into its services. Councillors approved £100,000 to develop a business case for a £5 million AI adoption program intended to benefit all six councils within the Belfast Region City Deal.

Expert Insight: The council’s investment in both AR and AI demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance civic engagement and improve service delivery. The AI program, in particular, suggests a forward-looking approach to organizational efficiency and transformation.

The program, pending business case approval, will provide funding for councils to collaborate with AI specialists. The goal is to integrate AI into various aspects of council service delivery, ultimately supporting organizational transformation and increased efficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of maintaining the AR experience at Belfast City Hall?

Maintaining the Augmented Reality experience at Belfast City Hall will cost £78,000 to the ratepayer for the next year.

How much funding has been allocated to the AI adoption program business case?

£100,000 has been allocated to develop a business case for the Belfast Council plan to design a £5 million AI adoption programme.

What benefits has the AR experience provided, according to council data?

The AR experience has led to a 30 percent increase in time spent in the exhibit rooms, a 25 percent increase in visits from partners and families, and a 14.5 percent increase in City Hall tour attendance.

As Belfast continues to invest in innovative technologies, how might these initiatives shape the future of civic engagement and public services in the region?