The north’s economy could benefit by up to £120 million as a result of Belfast being chosen as a host city for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a property conference has been told.
The Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park is one of 22 stadiums named in a joint (and so far sole) bid by the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales to host the event in nine year’s time (although its current capacity of 18,500 would have to be increased to 20,000 minimum for it to have a chance of being among the final 16 grounds selected by FIFA to host matches in the tournament).
And at an event in ICC Belfast hosted by property agency CBRE and themed ‘Real Estate and Sports-Led Regeneration’, 500 delegates heard that the region – which missed out on staging matches in the 2028 men’s European Championships because of the delays in getting Casement Park built – could expect a windfall of between £70m and £120m depending on the number and significance of matches held at Windsor Park.
The figures were revealed following analysis by James Hamilton, global lead of entertainment and host cities at Turner & Townsend.
CBRE’s Becky Stormer playing for Fulham Women (Ian Tuttle/Shutterstock/Ian Tuttle/Shutterstock)
He said: “Successful sports-led regeneration requires a clear national sports venue strategy aligned with urban development priorities, supported by robust feasibility studies and realistic funding.
“Venues should be designed to enhance the fan and athlete experience, with strong transport links, accessibility, sustainability, and long-term community benefit.
“Ambition without practical planning creates risk. Opportunities, such as being part of a bid to host a Rugby World Cup or hosting a Tour de France stage, are achievable for Northern Ireland, but only if carefully assessed.
“And when delivered effectively, major sporting events can accelerate regeneration and create destinations that continue to generate value long after the competitive action is over.”
The conference also heard from Becky Stormer, head of UK Sports Sector at CBRE and a semi-professional footballer with Fulham Women, who currently play in England’s fourth tier.
She told the Irish News: “The economic impact of staging sports events can be staggering. England staging the women’s rugby world cup in 2025 is reported to have been worth £156 million to the economy.
“But when you break that down, even smaller towns like Northampton benefitted hugely. It hosted six games in a 15,000 capacity stadium, its Grosvenor shopping centre had a 20% increase in footfall, thousands attended the fanzone for each game, and it’s overall economy enjoyed a huge boost.
“The growth in women’s sport has been phenomenal over the last decade. When the Euros were held in Switzerland, which isn’t even a professional league, with averages attendances in the mid hundreds, 29 of the 31 games were sold out.”
Asked if Casement Park be part of the World Cup in nine years time, she added: “I honestly don’t know. As a female football player you want to be playing in front of capacity stadiums. FIFA will have to strike a balance of what they want. Right now make most sense to be in a packed out stadium with great atmosphere. But given the growth in the women’s game, who knows what attendances might be like in 2035.”
CBRE NI’s annual commercial property outlook event also saw its managing director Brian Lavery announce plans to launch ‘United By Sport’, a multi-stakeholder body aimed at leading discussions on how to ensure the regeneration potential of sports venues in Northern Ireland is maximised. The initiative has already been successfully established in two areas of England’s sporting hotbeds – the Midlands and the North East.
He said: “Sports-led regeneration has the potential to be genuinely transformational for Northern Ireland, delivering not only economic benefit but lasting social and community value. Major sporting events and venues – from rugby and football stadiums to padel tennis courts – can act as powerful catalysts for investment when there is a joined-up, long-term approach.
“We were delighted to announce plans to establish the United By Sport initiative in Northern Ireland. Bringing together more than 500 people at our Outlook event from across real estate, infrastructure, government and sporting bodies demonstrates the strong appetite for collaboration, and we look forward to having discussions with the relevant stakeholders through the United By Sport programme.”