CBRE NI and global professional services company Turner & Townsend have officially launched United By Sport, a new multi-stakeholder body designed to maximise the economic and community regeneration potential of sports infrastructure across Northern Ireland.

Business Eye reported that the inaugural meeting, held at Custom House in Belfast, brought together senior representatives from the Irish FA, Ulster GAA, Ulster Rugby, Athletics NI and the Northern Ireland Football League to shape how the region can capitalise on sports-led regeneration opportunities.

The session included a presentation from Graham Fitzgerald, chief operating officer of the Irish FA, on the governing body's plans for a National Football Centre at Galgorm, outlining its development, potential impact and role as a catalyst for regional growth.

Robert Woodley, sports lead for programme advisory at Turner & Townsend, who has led the United By Sport initiative in the North-East of England and the Midlands, presented insights on the impact achieved in those regions and the lessons applicable to Northern Ireland.

Robert Ditty, executive director at CBRE NI, said: "Following the success of the programme delivered regionally in England through our partners Turner & Townsend, CBRE NI is proud to launch United By Sport in Northern Ireland. The level of engagement between the sports bodies at the first meeting demonstrated the appetite that exists for greater collaboration across sport, government and industry. We believe Northern Ireland has a significant opportunity to use sport as a platform for regeneration, from attracting inward investment and tourism to supporting local jobs, improving public spaces and creating long-term benefits for communities. United By Sport is intended to help turn that potential into a coordinated long-term strategy."

Explore the full story behind United By Sport and what it means for sports-led regeneration in Northern Ireland.