Charlotte Street, Belfast

Image: © Albert Bridge Taken: 31 May 2009

The rapid growth in the population of Belfast in the periods 1831-51 and 1891-1901 is well known. That growth required housing for the new residents. Much was in the form of kitchen houses – often with several generations sharing properties with minimal (and sometimes no) amenities. Widespread redevelopment came about, after the creation of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (later assisted by housing associations and, later still, by private enterprise) in the 1970’s. Old streets simply disappeared. Others were retained but with new (and often stylish houses; Image and Image are examples nearby). Some exist in more or less in name only. Charlotte Street is one. Built in the 1850’s it originally ran from Donegall Pass Image to Basin Lane (later Bankmore Street Image) and had 52 houses. It’s now reduced to this truncated street (off Donegall Pass). The red wall on the left hides a council yard. Ormeau Avenue fire station Image is behind the red wall behind the white box van at middle right. There are a few commercial properties on the right.

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