IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Upper Newtownards Road, BELFAST, BT4 3HB

SD Bell has been importing tea and coffee since 1887. The coffee shop was originally in Ann Street Image but moved to the present site, close to the Knock crossroads, in 1973. A very popular spot with the locals. See also Image

The inward view, along the northern side of the Upper Newtownards Road, between Ormiston Park and SD Bell’s. EWAY work on this side is almost complete. It involved widening the road by reducing the width of the footpath and consequent alterations to the services. The effects are not too noticeable but can be appreciated by looking at the gap between the yellow lines and the kerb.

Only one of the six shops in this row, close to the Knock crossroads, is occupied. With no agent’s board on display it looks as if the site might become apartments – after the recession.

At the intersection with Knock Road.

See Image (August 2009). There was much activity here during late July and early August as the business expanded into the former florist’s shop on the left. The original coffee shop was also refitted. The decorated shutter doors have changed too. This photograph appears as a matter of geographical and historical record only. I have no connection with the business.

Long-established and well-known furniture shop at 411-419 Upper Newtownards Road, just closed.

At the time of submission the Planning Service website was showing the application for planning permission at the “out to consultation” stage. In the meantime the premises remain vacant.

Preliminary work, on the southern side of the Upper Newtownards Road, opposite SD Bell’s here http://www.geograph.org.uk/snippet/9132. There are now signs warning of delays over the coming weeks. For the record this stretch has several businesses and is notable for the number of parked cars during working hours. In practice it’s usually reduced to one lane inward.

The front of the premises of S D Bell & Co Ltd, tea merchants located in Upper Newtownards Road.

The Upper Newtownards Road at the Knock crossroads. Trafficwatch NI notes “East Belfast - in connection with the Belfast Rapid Transit project essential carriageway re-surfacing works on the A20 Upper Newtownards Road are scheduled to be carried out on five consecutive weekends from Saturday 27th January (and on the remaining dates as detailed below)  It is proposed that on each weekend the works will start at 19:00 on Saturday night and continue through until Sunday night / Monday morning. However, we would hope that the works will be completed earlier than Monday morning. 19:00 on Saturday 17th – 06:00 on Monday 19th February  19:00 on Saturday 24th – 06:00 on Monday 26th February    Plus another to be confirmed  During these times a diversion route will be in place from the Knock Road Junction and Comber Road Junction via Knock Road, Kings Road, Old Dundonald Road and Comber Road (and vice versa). Within the area of the works local access will be maintained for residents and emergency vehicles only.”