Historical Information on North Street Arcade

Overview of North Street Arcade

North Street Arcade, an Art Deco shopping arcade, connects Donegall Street to North Street. Originally constructed in 1936, the arcade was designed by the Belfast architectural partnership Cowser & Smyth, founded by Benjamin Cowser (1897-1981) and Valentine Smyth (active 1930s-60s). This project marked one of Cowser & Smyth's first significant contracts, with the firm continuing operations until the Second World War before re-establishing as Smyth & Cowser in 1951. The builder responsible for the arcade's construction was F. B. McKee & Co.

Architectural Features

North Street Arcade features a four-storey redbrick and red sandstone structure at North Street (nos 35-37), alongside a three-storey entrance façade at nos 26-30 Donegall Street, made of granite and reconstructed stone. The arcade includes a central dome located at the north-west, necessitating a 90-degree bend in its design. Historical maps indicate that prior to the arcade's construction, the area was occupied by several small properties, notably the Brookfield Linen Company, a key player in the local linen trade since 1869.

Historical Significance

The Brookfield Linen Co. Ltd, known for flax spinning and powerloom linen manufacturing, operated from their Donegall Street site until demolition made way for North Street Arcade. A notable remnant from this era is a relief plaque depicting workers spinning flax, salvaged from the original warehouse and installed at the Donegall Street entrance in 1938.

Valuation and Retail History

North Street Arcade was not included in the First General Revaluation of property in Northern Ireland (1935) and was first valued in 1956. At that time, the combined valuation of the entrance buildings amounted to £996, with at least 20 shops and one café within the arcade. By 1972, the overall value of the arcade's shops, stores, and offices reached £5,321 10s.

Impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles

Historically, North Street was home to various small businesses, with the linen trade prevalent in the area. The original Brookfield Linen Co. warehouse was demolished in 1936, paving the way for North Street Arcade, which was described as a 1930s shopping arcade. The arcade suffered significant damage during the Northern Ireland Troubles, including two bomb attacks in 1971 and a more devastating explosion in 1976, which resulted in casualties among shoppers.

Destruction and Current Status

North Street Arcade was listed in 1990, but an arson attack in August 2004 led to the destruction of its interior. The incident affected over 20 businesses and arts organisations while ruining the original glass roof. The Donegall Street entrance, built with granite and reconstructed stone, sustained minor damage, preserving the historic relief plaque.

Following the fire, North Street Arcade was included in the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society’s Buildings at Risk in 2005, noting the uncertainty surrounding its future. As of now, the arcade remains vacant and in a state of disrepair, with no repairs carried out since the fire. Plans for a £360 million redevelopment in the area, approved in September 2012, include restoring the North Street Arcade, though no progress has been reported beyond the planning stage.

References

PRONI OS/6/1/61/3 – Third Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1901-02
PRONI OS/6/1/61/4 – Fourth Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1931
PRONI OS/6/1/61/5 – Fifth Edition Ordnance Survey Map 1938
PRONI VAL/4/B/7/39-41 – Second General Revaluation of Northern Ireland 1956-72
PRONI INF/7/A/7/31 – Bomb attack at North Street Arcade (1971)
Irish Builder, Vol. 78 (30 May, 17 Oct, 28 Nov 1936); Vol. 80 (19 Feb 1938)
Belfast Street Directories (1877-1918)
First Survey Image – HB26/50/199 (1990)
Ordnance Survey map 130-13SE (1959)
The Guardian (15 Aug 2004)

Secondary Sources

‘Buildings at Risk: Vol. 7’ Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 2005
Larmour, P., ‘Belfast: An illustrated architectural guide’ Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 1987.
Patton, M., ‘Central Belfast: An historical gazetteer’ Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 1993.

Online Resources

Sydney Seaver House

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