Known as ‘Frames’, the distinctive triangular building at Little Donegall Street has been ‘spot listed' by the Environment and Heritage Service. A Building Preservation Notice has been issued protecting the building from demolition or major alteration for a period of up to six months.
During this period of the notice, all normal listed building controls apply while detailed research and consultation is carried out to determine whether the structure should be permanently listed.
‘Frames’ is a large Edwardian building on a triangular site possibly designed by W Fennell circa 1907. Its curved end façade, topped with a conical roof and gothic lantern, make it impressive sight viewed from Royal Avenue. Previously a furniture showroom and store, it is now an entertainment complex with a café and restaurant on the ground floor and snooker halls on the upper floors.
The building has been little changed both externally and internally and has good brick detailing. All of its original cast iron columns and riveted beams remain intact. It is well proportioned and it is an interesting example in Belfast, of large commercial premises on an island site where all three elevations are of good quality.
The building has been threatened with demolition as part of a recent planning application which proposes to remove the building and replace it with a new development.
Notes to Editors:
- Under the terms of a 2003 amendment to the Planning Order a building must satisfy two criterion to be temporally listed in this way: In the view of the Department the building must be of special architectural and historic interest; and it must be in danger of demolition or of alteration in such a way as to affect its character as a building of such interest.
- Upon the evidence gathered to date the view of EHS Built Heritage is that the building is likely to meet the special interest test.
- The evidence of the submitted planning application demonstrates there is a threat to its character.
- EHS now has six months to consider this building in detail before deciding whether to proceed with permanent listing. The Historic Buildings Council and Belfast City Council will be formally consulted during this time.
Contact Manus Deery Principal Conservation Architect EHS for further information on 028 9054 3144.
For media enquiries, please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out-of-hours call EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
