IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
High Street, BELFAST, BT1 2AA

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.

See Image The building also has an elaborate gate of which this is one part.

Located along High Street

Pictured in High Street

A fire appliance (possibly a high-volume pumping unit) at High Street, about seven hours after the fire started.

Looking ENE in the direction of the Albert Clock Tower

See Image The narrowest part of this entry – the High Street end with North Street in the background. Not shown on the Google map.

Built in the late 1870’s, from the drawing board(s) of father and son Thomas and Anthony Jackson. Described by Charlie Brett as “the curious asymmetrical triple block” . . . . well anyway, it has nice windows, sham balconies and a wee fluery bit (middle right). See also Image

Winecellar Entry seen from High Street with 14-18 High Street Image on the right. The entry seems to be included in the “Royal Exchange” planning application as follows: “1493/DCA Nos. 17-27 Lombard Street (BT1 1RD), 16-22 Rosemary Street (BT1 1QD), 14-18 High Street (BT1 2BD) and 1-21 Bridge Street, Belfast Demolition to rear of no. 17 Lombard Street and demolition of nos. 17A-27 Lombard Street, 16-22 Rosemary Street, 1-21 Bridge Street and Retention of Facade and demolition of buildings to rear of nos. 14-18 High Street, Belfast (excluding Whites Tavern, 2-4 Winecellar entry).”