Bank Buildings

The magnificent, late Victorian, red sandstone Bank Buildings occupy a key position in Belfast city centre. Although massive in scale, their vulnerability, like all historic buildings, was exposed by a huge fire in 2018 that reduced them to an empty shell. Their restoration through an exemplary conservation project has ensured they can continue to make an important contribution to the city and its people. It also sends out a strong message in favour of retaining endangered historic buildings and in support of the fragile economy of city centres.

The architects were the central figures in this story: their experience and creativity were crucial to the project’s success, and they orchestrated a strong team. The interior structure has been rebuilt in a way that not only safeguards it from fire in the future but also offers higher standards of insulation, energy use, and accessibility.

Standing at the confluence of Donegall Place, Castle Place, and Royal Avenue, the building commands views from both west and south. Designed by W.H. Lynn in 1900, the magnificent, muscular Victorian structure expressed great confidence, material presence and an immense sense of civic pride.

Although the heavily modelled Locharbriggs red sandstone façades miraculously remained standing after the devastating 2018 fire, they were in a very precarious state. The city authorities are to be commended for having retained them. To avoid disruption to the neighbourhood in the interests of public safety while they were stabilised, they could easily have ordered the building’s destruction. However, they recognised their significance not only to the urban landscape but also to citizens of Belfast and beyond, with many remembering them as a place to meet and orientate themselves in a city centre that has experienced many troubled times. Their rebuilding and repair of the stone façades and roof brought together a host of stonemasons and specialist artisans from across Ireland, enabling them to exercise and develop their traditional skills for the future.

The client and occupier, clothing retailer Primark, are to be congratulated for their commitment not only in saving an important piece of architectural heritage but in making a bold commercial commitment to the city centre.

The skill and dedication of the architects, design team, craftspeople, contractors, and the local authorities have enabled this valued historic building not only to survive a severe test, but to receive a new lease of life in serving Belfast’s citizens. Through an impressive collective effort that garnered professionalism and courage, the Bank Buildings are once more an active and important figure in the city.