Former First Trust Bank, High Street, Belfast (December 2017)

Image: © Albert Bridge Taken: 3 Dec 2017

The former First Trust (previously an Allied Irish) branch at 31-35 High Street - closed in the last round of cuts. Offered for sale, the agents’ description includes “The subject is a four storey mid terrace property benefiting from excellent frontage onto High Street, Belfast. The ground floor is accessed via glazed automatic doors and is fitted to a very high standard. The ground floor comprises a former banking hall, vault, safe room and storage space.  The upper floors are accessed via a lift and front and rear stairwells. The accommodation consists of a former private banking suite, back offices, kitchen facilities and toilet. The floors are fitted to a very high standard throughout and are ready for immediate occupation.  The subject sits on a site of 0.2 acres and the building lends itself to a wide range of uses including office refurbishment, retail or leisure facilities subject to planning.” I have no connection with the sale. 100 years ago one of the occupants (of an earlier building) was Johnston’s Umbrellas. In later years the business moved to Ann Street becoming notable for the decorative hand holding an open umbrella.

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