IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Pilot Street, BELFAST, BT1 3AH

Portraits of famous Irish trade unionists on the wall of the Dockers Club, Pilot Street. This photograph appears as a matter of record only. I have no connection the club, any trade union or political party. Continue to Image

See Image Portraits of famous Irish trade unionists on the wall of the Dockers Club, Pilot Street. This photograph appears as a matter of record only. I have no connection the club, any trade union or political party.

See Image Many residents worked in the docks in the days when labour was recruited daily. With no security of employment it was inevitable that there were strong links with Irish trade unionism. This poster, in Pilot Place, recalls an almost-forgotten era.

See Image There is so little left that it is next to impossible to give any worthwhile idea of how the area looked before the demolitions. This piece of old harbour railway, in Prince’s Dock Street, and the bar and sandwich shop (background) are about all that is left. See also Image

See Image These new houses are being built in Short Street.

Pilot Street from Garmoyle Street/Corporation Street looking very similar to this view Image in February 2010. On 29 March 2016 the Department for Social Development published a draft Sailortown Masterplan for consultation “The Draft Masterplan has been created to provide an overarching framework for the future development of Sailortown - an exciting future destination adjacent to City Quays north of Belfast City Centre.” I have no connection with the Department and cannot enter into correspondence.

The existing development seen from near “Titanic Belfast”. The proposed “Olympic Tower” development has still to start.

Sailortown is the local name for an area of Belfast bounded by York Street, Whitla Street, the harbour and Gt George’s Street. The residents had many close connections with the sea and docks. It fell victim to demolition for the M2/M3 motorways and has almost ceased to exist. There are major (private sector) redevelopments underway but for many the destruction was symbolised by the closure of St Joseph’s (RC) parish church (built in 1878-80) in 2001, an event not without acrimony between parishioners and hierarchy. Open-air masses are held each Sunday morning. This photo of the spire surrounded by the paraphernalia of building sites sums it all up. On the “At Risk” register.

100 years ago Pilot Place had seven houses. This is today’s view towards Pilot Street Image The apartments (background) are being advertised as “Pilot Place”.

See Image One for the record – the houses on the right are now occupied.