Restore Glandore ATC Community Group

30/08/2026

LOOKING TO THE PAST TO BUILD A BETTER BELFAST

Take a look at the architecture that once lined York Road in North Belfast, running parallel to the Antrim Road.

Look at the detail. The proportions. The stonework. The streetscape. The craftsmanship and sheer effort that went into creating buildings that were designed not simply to serve a purpose, but to add something to the city around them.

Much of this architecture has now disappeared, and when we compare these photographs with many of the buildings, vacant sites and developments that replaced it, it raises an important question:

When it comes to architecture, landscaping and the future development of Belfast, should we be looking to our past for some of the answers?

This doesn’t mean trying to recreate the past or pretending that our city shouldn’t change. Belfast must continue to develop. But good development should consider beauty, quality, longevity, proportion, materials, greenery and a sense of place.

Our Victorian and Edwardian predecessors built with an ambition that their buildings and streets would endure for generations. Perhaps there are lessons in that approach that are just as relevant today.

At Restore Glandore ATC Community Group, we believe regeneration should be about more than simply building something new. It should be about creating places that people are proud to live in, walk through and pass on to the next generation.

We can’t bring every lost building back — but we can learn from what made these streets beautiful in the first place.

What do you think? Should Belfast be looking backwards in order to build better for the future?

30/08/2026

A rare find! Antrim Road North Belfast top of Fortwilliam Park entrance gates, can you spot some missing mansions? Guessing to be 70’s ?

Note the large building up the lane beside the garage, what was this? Is it now where the bowling club is ?

14/08/2026

We're looking to help support a fantastic local initiative!

Belfast Street Names are looking for volunteers to assist during Culture Night on Friday 18th September. Volunteers are needed for 1 or 2-hour shifts to chat with members of the public about the fascinating history behind Belfast's street names and to help promote their free educational website.

No specialist knowledge is required, just an interest in Belfast's history and a willingness to speak with people.

If you think you could spare an hour or two and would like to get involved, please contact Paul Tempan (Chairperson, Belfast Street Names) directly for more information.

We think this is a brilliant project that helps celebrate and preserve Belfast's rich heritage and we'd love to see a few of our members get involved if they're available.

06/08/2026

Bye cobbles

06/08/2026

And today now they will be covered up for another 50 years unfortunately.

06/08/2026

Have a look at these photographs from Alexandra Gardens, North Belfast, situated between the Glandore Area of Townscape Character (ATC) and the Fortwilliam Conservation Area, just beside the Fortwilliam Shops on Skegoneill Avenue.

Hidden beneath the tarmac is a remarkable piece of Belfast’s heritage.

These photographs reveal the original granite kerbstones, bordered by beautifully laid cobbles. Notice the craftsmanship a larger cobble running neatly alongside the kerbstone, followed by two rows of smaller cobbles. The mix of natural grey and golden stones complements the granite kerbs and demonstrates the incredible attention to detail that went into building our streets over a century ago.

This wasn’t simply road construction it was craftsmanship.

So why are we continuing to bury these historic features beneath tarmac, particularly in and around Areas of Townscape Character and Conservation Areas? These are the very details that give our streets their identity and tell the story of Belfast’s past.

In many towns and cities across Ireland, historic paving is carefully uncovered, restored and celebrated. Yet here in North Belfast, so much of our original streetscape remains hidden beneath our feet.

At Restore Glandore, we believe these features should be protected, restored where practical and proudly displayed for future generations. They add beauty, authenticity and a real sense of place that simply cannot be recreated with modern materials.

What are your thoughts?

Should we begin campaigning for original cobbles like these to be exposed and restored where possible?

Have you seen similar historic street details hidden beneath the tarmac in your own street or neighbourhood? If so, we’d love to see your photographs and hear your stories.

Together, let’s rediscover the craftsmanship that built North Belfast.

01/08/2026

Who remembers this beautiful house? Demolished we guess in late 90’s or early 00’s. Fortwilliam Park North Belfast.

21/07/2026

20/07/2026