News
BUILT HERITAGE UNDER THREAT IN ROYAL EXCHANGE RETAIL-LED SCHEME
The DSD backed 'Royal Exchange' retail-led scheme was lodged at the end of 2010. It involves a massive amount of demolition including late 19th century and interwar fabric and the complete loss of the interior (i.e. arcade) of the unusual listed 1930s North Street arcade by Cowser and Smyth. This unique arcade was badly damaged as a result of an arson attack in April 2004. At that time it housed 23 arts groups and local businesses. Thankfully original drawings and an excellent photograhic record exist, so the Arcade can be reinstated. But we need your help to ensure this phoenix arises.
The Society continues to work within the Let's Get It Right campaign group to influence the scheme and encourage a heritage and culture-led approach in this sensitive area. The group has over 50 members drawn from a wide range of interest groups and businesses. We are also represented on the Cathedral Quarter Steering Group.
We are also working with the Forum for Alternative Belfast, Belfast Civic Trust, Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust, Belfast City Centre Management's Character and Style Action Group to encourage the retention of the historic fabric which is central to the character of the birthplace of Belfast and to its successful economic regeneration. The British Retail Consortium recognises that built heritage means business!
In its publication 21st Century High Streets it offers 20 recommendations to save the High Street. The very first pointer is to create a 'Unique Sense of Place'. And the first way to do that is to "work together to maximise the inherent advantage of each High Street's local heritage".
We can't afford to throw these buildings away!
Get in touch to see how you can get involved.