Solonga Kiltonga – Downtown and Cool FM unlock the Quays to the City
Last updated 24th Apr 2026
After 50 years broadcasting from our original home in Kiltonga, Bauer Audio Northern Ireland has officially moved to Belfast.
The move signals a significant investment in the future of broadcasting in Northern Ireland, placing Bauer Media Audio NI at the centre of the region’s growing media and business district.
Content Director Stuart Robinson said: “This was a real landmark moment for radio in Northern Ireland. After 50 years at Kiltonga, closing the door on our final broadcast there was bittersweet, but arriving at City Quays marked the start of something incredibly exciting for all of us.”
On Monday evening (20th Apr), Jason Hughes kicked off the first week of broadcast switches for Downtown Country.
Declan Wilson passed the mic to Owen Larkin on Wednesday afternoon (22nd Apr), listen back ⬇️
And today (Fri 24th Apr) Pete, Paulo & Rebecca took the Cool FM Breakfast Show on the road, broadcasting the move live on air from the iconic Cool bus, travelling from Kiltonga (Newtownards) to the station’s stunning new city-centre base.
Our red-carpet arrival at City Quays, officially unlocked the next chapter for Cool FM, Downtown Radio and Downtown Country in the heart of the city.
Take a look back at pics from the Cool Convoy...
The Cool FM Team arrive at City Quays 3 for their first show in Belfast city centre. Pictured L-R: Ryan Annett, Stuart Robinson, Melissa Riddell, Curtis McCosh, Owen Beers, Hix, Paulo Ross, Rebecca McKinney, Pete Snodden & Kat Walker
Red carpet welcome for the Cool FM team
Staff & guests celebrate the Cool FM's entrance to the new studios
Pete Snodden ahead of the show's first live link in City Quays 3 station
Rebecca McKinney's reaction to the new studios
And we're LIVE
The team eagerly await to hear the first song played
Pete, Paulo & Rebecca after the first show