Urban Guidance PDF

THE LINEN QUARTER
VISION AND GUIDANCE
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/linenquarter
SETTING THE SCENE
In Belfast’s City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (2015) we reinforcing its business role, we want to explore ideas that can bring life
set out our collective ambition for the continued growth and regeneration and activity especially outside business hours. The introduction of a new
of the city core and its surrounding areas to 2030. Within the strategy, five streetscape will help achieve this by creating new places for workers to
special action areas (SAAs) were identified which will be given special dwell and spend time within the Quarter. A number of key interventions
attention, including an area described as the Linen Quarter. are also proposed.
CITY HALL
We believe that the historic Linen Quarter, centre of the linen industry in Ultimately we want this document to influence the approach taken by
the mid-nineteenth century, still has an important role in the economy planners, architects and designers to development proposals in the area.
M AY ST RE ET of the city and Northern Ireland as a whole. It serves as the city’s Central We seek to influence a step change in place-making and design which
DO NE GA LL SQ UA RE SO UT H Business District (CBD) and, in addition to large numbers of offices that reinforces the uniqueness of this part of Belfast city centre.
HO WAR D ST RE ET have been opened in recent years, the Quarter has also seen a growing
Alongside our place-making aspirations, we want to maximise the
number of hotels, bars and cafes and other complimentary uses. Its
potential of development opportunities within Linen Quarter so that
proximity to the proposed, expanded Transport Hub at Great Victoria
BR UN SW IC K ST RE ET
they act as catalysts for regeneration and improved economic and
Street makes the Linen Quarter a key point or arrival for tourists, visitors,
JA M ES ST RE ET SO UT H city workers and locals.
social wellbeing, not only in the city centre but also in the surrounding
area. Continued growth of our economy is essential, not only for the city
This document - developed on our behalf by leading landscape architect centre but also to ensure that the benefits of this growth are felt by local
and urban design practice Planit Intelligent Environments - includes an businesses, people and communities especially the nearby urban villages
FR AN KL IN ST RE ET analysis of the Linen Quarter public realm and our long-term vision for its of Donegall Pass, the Markets and Sandy Row.
future development. It was produced and amended following a detailed
AL FR ED ST RE ET
This guidance has been developed following extensive consultation and
AD EL AI DE ST RE ET
LI NE NH AL L ST RE ET
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
public consultation that took place between December 2015 and April 2016.
engagement with partners and stakeholders. Those who were central in
AM EL IA ST RE ET Within this document we strongly advocate retaining the historic developing the guidance also have vital roles to play in delivering it. We
character of the area - the large, often red brick, buildings associated will therefore continue to work in partnership in its implementation for the
TRANSPORT with the linen trade and enhancing the distinctive grid street layout while benefit of everyone in the city.
HUB making it attractive for business, in particular for Grade A offices. While
CL AR EN CE ST RE ET
GR EA T VI CT OR IA ST RE
ET
BRUCE ORMEA
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LINEN QUARTER ©2016 INFOTERRA LTD. & BLUESKY
IMAGES SUPPLIED BY PLANIT

CONTENTS
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 3.0 ANALYSIS 21 4.0 VISION 49

3.1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS 22 4.1 VISION OVERVIEW 51
2.0 INTRODUCTION 11 3.2 HISTORICAL CHARACTER 24 4.2 VISION OBJECTIVE 1 52
2.1 BACKGROUND, SCOPE AND PURPOSE 12 3.3 STREET PATTERN & GRAIN 26 4.3 VISION OBJECTIVE 2 56
2.2 NAVIGATING THIS DOCUMENT 13 3.4 STREETS, SPACES & PUBLIC REALM 28 4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3 64
2.3 WHY THIS GUIDANCE IS NEEDED 14 3.5 VIEWS, VISTAS, LANDMARKS & NODES 30 4.5 VISION OBJECTIVE 4 76
2.4 PLANNING POLICY & GUIDANCE 15 3.6 PARKING 32 4.6 VISION OBJECTIVE 5 80
2.5 THE QUARTERS 16 3.7 VEHICLE MOVEMENT 34
2.6 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS 17 3.8 PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT 36 5.0 CONCLUSION 85
2.7 LINEN QUARTER BOUNDARY 18 3.9 FRONTAGES & ENTRANCES 38 5.1 CREATE A SENSE OF ARRIVAL 88
3.10 BUILDING TYPE 40 5.2 INTRODUCE NEW FOCAL SPACES 89
3.11 BUILDING QUALITY 42 5.3 FACILITATE MOVEMENT 90
3.12 LAND USES 44 5.4 ENCOURAGE DWELL 91
3.13 ASSETS & OPPORTUNITIES 46 5.5 RETAIN BUILT HERITAGE 92
3.14 SUMMARY OF ANALYSIS 47 5.6 GUIDE NEW BUILDINGS AND ASSOCIATED
PUBLIC REALM 93
5.7 FINAL WORD 94
APPENDICES 97
APPENDIX 01 -
LIST OF CONSULTEES AND CONTRIBUTORS 98
APPENDIX 02 - MATERIAL PALETTE 101
APPENDIX 03 - BUILDING QUALITY STUDY 111
THE LINEN QUARTER 5

1.0
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
6 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Linen Quarter is a key component of Belfast City Centre, and has an The analysis proposes a number of key interventions: Redefine streets As a result these buildings should be retained, with strong emphasis
important role in the economy of the city and Northern Ireland as a whole. placed on attracting new uses and on finding ways to revitalise them and
- Introducing new public spaces; The Quarter has a strong grid of streets, wider north-south streets and
keep them in viable use, which represents the best way of curating the
The Quarter has a significant yet diminishing legacy of historical buildings narrower east-west streets.
- Redefining streets and promoting a different street hierarchy; historical building stock.
that reflect the area’s role as the centre of the Linen industry during the
middle part of the nineteenth century. These buildings have come under There are opportunities to reinforce this grid, responding to the strong
- Retaining and building upon the area’s important built heritage;
increasing and sustained pressure from new development, and recent north-south route running through the Quarter to Queens University
decades have seen a profound loss of heritage buildings, the loss being - Setting guidance for new buildings and associated public realm. campus, which attracts significant pedestrian flows; while also Introduce guidance for new development
magnified by the far more diminished quality of the buildings that have encouraging greater east-west movement linking with the Transport Hub.
First and foremost, there needs to be an improved sense of arrival, New development will play a significant role in shaping the future of the
taken their place. The narrower east-west streets also offer an additional opportunity for the Linen Quarter.
particularly at two key points: the pedestrian crossing to the Transport
This pressure is magnified as the Linen Quarter is the city’s CBD, the Hub and the crossing from Bedford Street to Donegall Square South. Quarter and how it might develop.
Far too much new development has failed in this regard, and resulted in
headquarters for a number of key businesses within the city, as well as Creating a seamless, obvious and attractive link into the Quarter is an
While predominant office uses are important, there needs to be a balance not only the loss of the historical character but also the introduction of
a number of large City Council offices, and recent years have witnessed important component in reinforcing the sense of arrival and providing a
of uses - particularly at ground floor but also at points throughout the new buildings that actively diminish it.
a growing number of hotels and other complementary uses emerging. strong sense of place.
Quarter - that mean that it retains life and vitality throughout the day and
Ensuring that the office sector continues to grow and flourish in the into the evening. Guidance needs to be put in place that will ensure that new development
The creation of obvious and accessible linkages are also extremely
Linen Quarter, while retaining the heritage that signifies the area, is a key enhances the character of the area: that it is of an appropriate scale; that
important to the principle of achieving good connectivity with
consideration for the Council in establishing the appropriate conditions, The east-west streets offer an opportunity to become places where such the ground floor creates a positive environment and that the materials are
neighbouring communities, in particular Donegall Pass, the Markets and
framework and delivery mechanisms for this to be realised. activity and street life can be generated. Uses spilling out onto these sympathetic to the area’s context.
Sandy Row.
relatively quieter streets will help animate the Quarter and in so doing
Added to that, ambitious plans are in place to introduce a new, expanded provide a broader range of activity. This approach needs to be reinforced by strong, clear and independent
Introduce new public spaces
Transport Hub onto Great Victoria Street, accommodating both bus and design guidance, through the introduction of a City Design Panel. This
train services, which as well as increasing local public transport use Blackstaff Square, to the west of the Quarter, acts as a transition space on There is extensive on-street parking throughout, which makes roads hard group should comprise experts from a range of disciplines: architects;
will also facilitate the arrival of trains from Dublin. This makes the Linen the route through to the Transport Hub, but its design means that there is to cross, and this also needs a certain amount of rationalisation in order urbanists and landscape architects among others, who can carry out
Quarter the city’s ‘welcome mat’; an even more important location within little incentive to spend time within the space. The new Hub means that to create an attractive street environment. regular peer review on significant schemes taking place within the
the city and a key point of arrival and departure for tourists, visitors and this is the first space that people experience within the city, and there Quarter. This will signify a significant benchmark for the city, and provide a
The public realm should therefore reinforce this hierarchy, with a high
locals alike. Recognising the opportunity this presents, and establishing should be an improved square that will provide a stronger sense of arrival, clear mechanism that will help to raise design standards.
quality palette of materials for these streets, which should be adopted and
appropriate linkages and connections to and from it, will be an important as well as a better setting for new development currently taking place.
introduced on a coherent basis. The Council also considers that Planning Agreements are a key tool in
issue for the Council.
The initial proposals seek to encourage greater ‘dwell’ and connect the developing future sustainable development in the city. It intends making
The palette will provide a clear framework that new development needs
These drivers bring the Linen Quarter centre stage, and mean that buildings surrounding Blackstaff Square to use and animate the space, greater and more widespread use of planning agreements with immediate
to sit within, particularly where there is a ‘semi-private’ space set in the
the Quarter needs to be assessed to explore the ways in which it can while retaining its important role as a link space between the Quarter and effect through the development management process. Agreements
public realm.
consolidate and enhance its role, continue to provide a strong sense of the Transport Hub. may be expected to deliver planning outcomes on a range of topics, for
arrival, and reinforce its role as the premier office destination within Belfast. example, public realm/city centre improvements and shared space and
While there is a strong urban grid, the result is that there is no real public heritage which are of particular relevance in Linen Quarter.
Key to this analysis is how to best use the current qualities of the Quarter, space where office workers and visitors can sit out and enjoy a sandwich Retain the historical building stock
particularly given its Conservation Area status, and how to build upon its at lunchtime.
many qualities and advantages, while tackling those aspects that are less The Linen Quarter, as the name suggests, has a rich history as the centre of
The junction of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street provides an Belfast’s Linen Trade; it became the world capital for Linen and a significant Together, these initiatives will help to revitalise the Linen Quarter;
successful.
opportunity for a new space; it is the one point where the grid breaks at amount of development took place in support of the industry. The appreciating its qualities and values while introducing new interventions
Linenhall Street West and it enjoys a significant ‘double vista’: the City Hall Mercantile buildings and associated buildings that remain represent a clear that can help to make it a more liveable, attractive and inviting
to the north and St Malachy’s Church to the east . The potential relocation point of difference for the Linen Quarter, and emphasise its difference not destination within Belfast.
of the BBC opens up a further opportunity, with the reorganisation of the only to other parts of Belfast City Centre, but also to other cities.
modern extension, offering scope for a new building that provides a more
sympathetic relationship with the street and a more considered orientation. Not only that, they are a significant asset, the scale of the warehouse
buildings setting a strong datum of six storeys and offering significant
scope for adaptive reuse.
8 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 9

2.0
INTRODUCTION
2.1 BACKGROUND, SCOPE & PURPOSE 2.2 NAVIGATING THIS DOCUMENT
PLANIT - INTELLIGENT ENVIRONMENTS (PLANIT-IE) WAS

APPOINTED BY DELOITTE REAL ESTATE (DELOITTE) AND
BELFAST CITY COUNCIL TO PREPARE A VISION AND GUIDANCE
FOR THE LINEN QUARTER, WITHIN BELFAST CITY CENTRE.
A number of documents have informed this Vision, notably: the DoE
Strategic Policy Statement (SPS): Planning for Sustainable Development
(September 2015) and its publication “Living Places: An Urban Stewardship
and Design Guide for NI’ (September 2014), which sets out the 10 principles
STRATEGIC ANALYSIS
for good places; as well as the Belfast City Centre Regeneration Strategy
and Investment Plan (BCCRIS) undertaken by Urban Strategies INC in
conjunction with Deloitte and ARUP, which set out a broad strategic vision
and policies for the city, and highlighted a number of Action Areas that
included the Transport Hub, at the edge of the Linen Quarter. ANALYSIS
The team has spent a considerable amount of time getting to know the
Linen Quarter and the wider city centre, as well as conducting meetings,
workshops and discussions with user groups, stakeholders, organisations
and individuals; all of whom have made valuable observations and
contributions that have been taken into account in the preparation of this VISION
final document.
A list of all those individuals and organisations who commented on the

document and attended workshops is included as Appendix 01.
Planit-IE are makers of places with an acute understanding of the need

to demonstrate real added value from the projects we deliver. Our work
CONCLUSION
is motivated by achieving real, substantial change while at the same time
ensuring that the proposals are practical and, crucially deliverable; adding
value to make a liveable, attractive and vibrant Quarter within the city.
Our projects add value (and win awards) because they get built and are
successful, because we are passionate about our craft. APPENDICES
The approach to the Linen Quarter has been not just to make it a better,
more attractive place, but stronger in its own right while recognising
its respective characteristics. We have looked at the way our proposals
can complement existing development activity to increase commercial
and financial viability, including the means by which existing quality
buildings can be re-purposed as well as forming design guidance for
new development.
This document sets out a blueprint that can bring about uplift in quality
– both in terms of public realm, streetscape and architecture – that can
realise the standards expected of a leading European city.

2.3 WHY THIS GUIDANCE IS NEEDED 2.4 PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE
This document, the Linen Quarter Vision and Guidance draws on The Linen Quarter Vision and guidance supports and complements
existing policy, guidance from statutory bodies, the adopted Conservation existing planning policies that apply to the city and help shape its future
Area guidance as well as the recent Belfast City Centre Regeneration direction.
Investment Strategy, to offer a vision for the Linen Quarter.
The Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan 2015 (BMAP 2015) is the statutory
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has outlined a development plan which, alongside DoE’s Strategic Policy Statements and
comprehensive strategy for public realm improvements, set out in the supplementary guidance, provides the land use context for planning and
Belfast City Centre Public Realm Masterplan (update 2012). Alongside sets out a framework of allocations, site specific designations, policies,
this a programme of public realm improvement works (Streets Ahead 1) proposals and zoning within the Council Area and wider region.
have been completed around the city centre and a further phase - Streets
Two Conservation Areas extend across the Linen Quarter; the Linen
Ahead 3 is underway adjacent to Ulster University.
Conservation Area encompasses the majority of the Quarter but a small
The Linen Quarter forms part of this Masterplan - in Phase 6 - but the section also falls within the City Centre Conservation Area.
desire to reinforce the Quarter as a prime office location, as well as the
Planning Policy Statement 6 Planning, Archaeology and Built
forthcoming proposals for the Transport Hub, means that the Linen
Heritage sets out planning policies for the protection and conservation
Quarter needs more immediate consideration.
of the built heritage to include the overall character of the area, spaces,
This Linen Quarter Vision examines the current form, operation, uses and public realm and streetscapes and recognises that the regeneration of
character to set out a framework for how the streets, spaces and buildings our built environment can positively promote economic vitality. PPS 6
might be re-imagined. The Linen Quarter is experiencing significant maintains the importance of economic vitality and growth and makes the
development pressure, and it is necessary to highlight and support those connection between an attractive living environment, inward investment
components that help provide such a strong and distinctive character. and economic prosperity as a virtuous circle.
Through this analysis and vision the task has been to balance different The Linen Quarter document also stresses the importance of Listed
but complementary objectives: retaining the historical character of the Buildings and Conservation Areas and the role of heritage in defining and
Quarter while making it attractive to businesses and in particular Grade reinforcing place, and sets out policies concerning development affecting
A office requirements; reinforcing the business role for the Linen Quarter the setting of Listed Buildings and within Conservation Areas.
while exploring ideas around alternative uses that can bring life and
The Vision also recognises and responds to the challenges set out in
activity to the area; introducing a new streetscape to the Quarter that can
Living Places - An Urban Stewardship and Design Guide for Northern
highlight its distinctiveness within the city, while also forming part of the
Ireland’, which sets out the 10 principles for great places: Visionary;
wider city centre; and offering new places for workers and residents to
Collaborative; Contextual; Responsible; Accessible; Hospitable;
dwell and spend time within the area.
Vibrant & Diverse; Crafted; Viable; and Enduring.
Alongside these challenges, the Vision and guidance will also act as
The Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy
a guide for the council in attracting developer contributions for the
(BCCRIS) builds upon some of the key objectives of existing policies and
necessary improvements in the public realm that can support the wider
sets out a broad vision to regenerate and influence investment in the
regeneration of the Quarter.
City Centre. This document highlights a number of Special Action Areas
This document is defined within the parameters of existing policies and is requiring further investigation including the Transport Hub and South
intended to complement rather than replace them and it does not have Centre that fall within the Linen and City Conservation Areas.
determinative weight in planning terms. Should any guidance conflict with
statutory guidance then the latter will prevail.
The analysis and design guidance set out within this document is
intended to set out the background and criteria that will help to shape
the development of robust, proactive and imaginative policies for the
Linen Quarter, and provide a framework for how new development will be
evaluated.

2.5 THE QUARTERS KEY POINTS
Importance of link to Transport Hub;
BUOYS
SQUARE
2.6 STRATEGIC ANALYSIS
Strong east-west routes;
ST. ANNE’S
INNER NORTH Interconnected nature of different parts of the city; CATHEDRAL
The Belfast Regeneration and Investment Strategy (BCCRIS) identified five Limited number of public spaces; The Linen Quarter needs to be understood in the context of the wider
Action Areas in need of an immediate detailed and integrated planning WRITERS SQUARE city centre. The City Hall acts as a fulcrum, commanding key views
approach across the city centre: Inner North; North-East Quarter; Inner along Donegall Place from the north and Linen Hall Street to the south,
West; Oxford Street/Eastern Bank; Transport Hub/South Centre. as well as ordering and separating out the various portions of the city
that radiate from it. The east-west streets around the City Hall, Donegall
The Linen Quarter falls within the Transport Hub/South Centre Action QUEENS Place North and Donegall Place South provide important views to Divis
Area, and extends across the south of the City Hall. SQUARE
ST. ANNE’S CASTLE COURT
and the Black Mountain.
The Transport Hub is a transformative intervention for Belfast, CATHEDRAL
representing a key piece of city building with the potential to reshape the SHOPPING CENTRE The River Lagan skirts around the eastern fringe of the city centre, beyond
the Dunbar Link. This connection to the river requires attention to make
south western part of the city centre. The Linen Quarter sits alongside the NORTH RIVER the most of this setting, which has been such a fundamental part of the
Hub, acting as a gateway for visitors to the city. EAST BANK LAGAN city’s history.
INNER WEST QUARTER SQUARE
A number of distinct residential communities sit to the south and east of OXFORD STREET/ To the north of the city centre St Anne’s Cathedral represents an important
the Linen Quarter: Donegall Pass which sits to the west of the Gasworks EASTERN BANK CAS TLE STR EET landmark with its distinctive needle spire, with the MAC building nearby.
between Bankmore Street, Dublin Road, Donegall Pass and Ormeau ARTHUR The recent Victoria Square shopping centre has extended the retail focus
Avenue; the Markets to the north of the Gasworks extending east from SQUARE east across Royal Avenue, while St George’s Market occupies a block on
the Linen Quarter across Cromac Street to the River Lagan; and Sandy
Row, which is located to the south-west of the Quarter adjacent to the
VICTORIA May Street and is an attraction at weekends.
Transport Hub. All three are distinct residential communities in their own SQUARE There are few public spaces within the city centre, and those that exist
right, identified as part of the Urban Villages Initiative by OFMDFM; each SHOPPING have limited opportunities to sit and relax. Although Buoys Square and
separate from but with relationships to the Linen Quarter. The Vision the area around the City Hall has some planting and landscaping, other
recognises the importance of improved connectivity and future linkages to CITY HALL spaces - Writers Square, Arthur Square, Bank Square, Blackstaff Square
these communities. WATERFRONT and Queen Square are all predominantly hard surfaced. Providing spaces
HALL with different functions, and making more effective connections between
Extending along the southern edge of the Quarter, in the areas around CITY HALL them, will help amalgamate disparate parts of the city centre.
Bankmore Street and Ormeau Avenue leading to Cromac Street there ST GEORGE’S
are areas affected by the missing Shaftsbury Link of the city’s Inner Ring MARKET The DSD Streets Ahead programme has delivered a step change in the
Road. The re-imagining and completion of this missing link to complete
TRANSPORT HUB/ MAY ST. pedestrian environment, setting a quality benchmark for the materials
the ring road would enable greater network simplicity and reduced HO WA RD ST RE ET CHURCH palette in use across the city centre. Streets Ahead Phase 1 encompassed
traffic congestion within the core area. BCCRIS suggests that the future SOUTH CENTRE THE LINEN QUARTER the part of the main retail core immediately north of City Hall. Streets
design of this link should seek to reduce its severity as a barrier between MARKETS GRAND Ahead 3 proposes public realm improvements further north toward the
the city centre and neighbouring communities and proposes junction OPERA HOUSE BLACKSTAFF KEY
new Ulster University campus and the area around St Anne’s Cathedral.
improvements to provide greater priority and connectivity for cyclists at SQUARE The Transport Hub will be a major infrastructure project for the city,
Cromac Street/Ormeau Avenue/Ormeau Road. TRANSPORT ST MALACHY’S Linen Quarter
providing a new integrated bus and rail terminal that will serve Belfast
The Linen Quarter needs to appreciate the relationship with these HUB CHURCH Barrier to Movement and act as a key gateway, both locally and for journeys to Dublin. Ensuring
neighbouring communities, as well as the manner in which it meets any Key Space that there is an effective, logical connection between the Hub and the city
future road proposals for the Shaftsbury Link. centre will be particularly important for the future success of Belfast, with
Key Landmark clear implications for the Linen Quarter adjacent to it.
KEY
SANDY Key View
There is significant road infrastructure around the city centre, with a
ROW DONEGALL
The Linen Quarter
ORMEAU BATHS Strategic Corridors long standing objective to complete the southern section of the Inner
Special Action Areas identified within Ring Road/Ormeau Road following a route around Bruce Street and
PASS Belfast City Centre Regeneration and ORMEA
Strategic Connections
Bankmore Street. Improving accessibility across this hard collar to ensure
Investment Strategy U AV E
NUE GASWORKS Open Space pedestrians can easily connect to between the city centre and surrounding
Adjacent communities which are part of neighbourhoods and attractions is essential.
©2016 INFOTERRA LTD. & BLUESKY Green space
the Urban Villages Initiative

2.7 LINEN QUARTER BOUNDARY 2.7 LINEN QUARTER BOUNDARY
The Linen Quarter extends across a grid of streets that lies immediately to The Ormeau Baths and Fermanagh House on the corner of Ormeau
the south of Belfast City Hall, occupying a strategic position within Belfast Avenue and Aspley Street warrant inclusion within the Quarter, given their
City Centre. age and, in the case of the Baths their importance in framing views south
CITY HALL along Linenhall Street. Fermanagh House sits at the end of a large block
The Quarter has a consistency and coherence that warrants identification that extends to Dublin Road opposite the BBC building, and it is suggested
as a unique part of Belfast; through a combination of its historical that this block is included within the Quarter. This junction, where Dublin
development, its street pattern, scale and uses. This will be drawn out in Road, Ormeau Avenue and Bedford Street meet is a key gateway into
more detail in the following section.
E C O N S E R V A T IO N AREA MAY ST RE ET the city centre and including buildings that surround this junction is
NT R
The boundary of the Linen Quarter has reflected this analysis. While it B E L FA S T C IT Y C E S E R V A T IO N A R E A MAY ST. important in being able to a deliver a comprehensive approach.
concurs with the majority of the Linen Conservation Area, there are certain L IN E N C O N CHURCH While the Conservation Area boundary extends east to Cromac Street, it
differences that reflect the different focus for this document: its focus HO WA RD ST RE ET
is not considered that the scale and nature of the buildings to the east
being on setting out a coherent business district for Belfast while also of Alfred Street supports inclusion in the Linen Quarter. While May Street
BR UN SW IC K ST RE ET
appreciating the heritage of the Linen Quarter.
GRAND Church, St Malachy’s Church and Armagh House occupy the eastern side
The northern boundary of the Quarter reflects the Conservation Area OPERA of Alfred Street the boundary of the Quarter extends along the edge of
boundary, though incorporating both sides of the street as it follows HOUSE these buildings, offering an enhanced public realm that could enhance the
Howard Street, Donegall Square South and May Street, forming a strong setting of each building.
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
and coherent boundary to the Quarter facing towards City Hall. FR AN KL IN ST RE ET
The following pages look at the physical and experiential factors that
To the west, the Quarter extends to meet Great Victoria Street, which combine to dictate how the Linen Quarter functions and operates as
represents a strong physical edge between the Linen Quarter and the
EWARTS people navigate around and through it.
Transport Hub between the junction with Howard Street to the north TRANSPORT AM EL IA ST RE ET
BUILDING ULSTER HALL
HUB
and Bruce Street to the south. Although the Hub and the Europa Hotel
represent an increase in scale along the western side of Great Victoria ST MALACHY’S
Street, it is suggested that the significance of the transport corridor and CHURCH
the nature of these uses supports the street forming the boundary to the CL AR EN CE ST RE ET
GR EA T VI CT OR IA ST
Linen Quarter.
The southern boundary recognises the emerging proposals by Transport

NI for the continuation of the Inner Relief Road - the Shaftsbury Link - that
extends between Bruce Street along Bankmore Street to meet the junction
AL FR ED ST RE ET
BBC
RE ET
of Ormeau Avenue and Cromac Street.

BUILDING
BRUCE ORME
A U AV
S TREE
T
ENUE KEY POINTS
Different emphasis to Linen Conservation Area;
KEY
ORMEAU
BATHS Coherent scale and grain to the streets;
Landmark / Destination
Predominant office uses;
Linen Quarter
Belfast City Centre Conservation Area Strategic road network forming edges to the Quarter.
Linen Conservation Area

3.0
ANALYSIS
3.1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS 3.1 FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Linen Quarter is Belfast’s commercial core, the destination for a Newer buildings have not always been successful at responding to the
significant cluster of offices, together with local government departments street, either through their architectural expression or scale. This means
and public sector organisations that have chosen this part of the city as that they fail to provide activity at the ground floor and in some cases
their Belfast address. To the south of the Quarter the BBC has its Northern jar with the historical buildings that form a strong component of the
Ireland studio. Conservation Area.
Perhaps the most striking thing about walking through the Linen Quarter Much like other parts of Belfast City Centre, on-street parking tends to
is the quality and consistency of the historical architecture; the remaining dominate, magnified by the ordered grid of streets that offer extensive
Linen buildings, together with the scale of the streets combining to north-south or east-west views. Multi storey car parks offer extensive blank
reinforce the uniqueness of this part of Belfast city centre. façades at street level.
The offices and warehouses linked with the Linen trade have a texture, The link across to the proposed new Transport Hub is extremely busy and
generosity and above all strength in the manner they address the street vehicle dominated, making it an unattractive, unpleasant and difficult
at ground level as well as their materiality. These unique buildings are a journey for those using the railway or bus station.
tremendous asset for Belfast, and represent a clear opportunity for the
ongoing revitalisation of the Linen Quarter. Change is taking shape.
The Quarter also has a distinctive grid street layout, which offers While office uses are dominant these are slowly but surely becoming
significant long views through the Quarter, as well as out to neighbouring complemented by a number of other uses: hotels, cafés, bars, restaurants
landmarks and features. and residential flats are gradually extending the hours of activity and life
across the Quarter and provide a more attractive, convivial environment.
The prevailing business use within the Quarter means that at certain times
of the day – particularly at rush hour at either end of the day and around The proposals to introduce a new Transport Hub at Great Victoria Street
lunchtime – there is a dynamism and buzz as people head out onto the Station will mean that it becomes the destination (and arrival point) for
street in search of a sandwich or on their way to and from the office or trains from Dublin as well as a projected increase in public transport use.
meetings. The position of the Hub, at the edge of the Linen Quarter, represents a
significant opportunity to reinforce the role of this area within the city
Despite this, there are also a number of less successful elements. centre.
The predominance of a single type of use means that these periods of This section looks at the physical and experiential characteristics of the
activity can be shortlived, and there has been little reason to venture into Linen Quarter and what makes it special and unique for Belfast.
the Quarter during the evening and at weekends.
There is a significant lack of green space within the Quarter; nowhere

where people might be able to sit and have lunch away from the office
that could act as a counterpoint to the streets and buildings.
KEY POINTS
Mercantile buildings help define the Quarter;
KEY POINTS Coherent scale and grain to the streets;
Strategic roads create a clear boundary for the Quarter;
Need for a central space;
Predominant office use across the Quarter;
Opportunity to create a better connection with the Transport Hub;
Prominence of The Linen Quarter in relation to the Transport Hub.
Importance of a good quality ground floor to the street environment.

3.2 HISTORICAL CHARACTER DOORS AND WINDOWS>
HISTORICAL MAP OF BELFAST, 1901
The Linen Quarter was developed as a grid of streets immediately to the
south of what was the White Linen Hall, the international Linen Exchange,
before it was demolished in 1896 to make way for Belfast City Hall. RIVER
A shortage of cotton in the late 19th Century due to the American Civil War LAGAN
meant that Belfast became the linen capital of the British Empire. The city
thrived and offices, warehouses and factories sprang up to the south of RIGHT: CLARENCE STREET
the White Linen Hall.
FAR RIGHT: ADELAIDE STREET
A significant amount of this historical architecture remains, which is a
unique factor for Belfast, setting the Linen Quarter apart from other parts
of the city centre. The large red brick office and warehouse buildings that
comprised a range of functions - from administration, distribution and
warehouses - are complemented by a number of smaller buildings from
the same period, which combine to give the Quarter a strong, coherent < MATERIALS
context and a sense of history that is evident in the building details,
materials and texture.
The nature of these buildings and the predominant use as a business

district is also unique; providing a distinctive, attractive setting for CITY HALL
commercial activity within Belfast and Northern Ireland.
MAY STREET CHURCH
GRAND
OPERA LEFT: CLARENCE STREET
HOUSE
ULSTER HALL FAR LEFT: LINENHALL STREET WEST
ST MALACHY’S CHURCH
DETAILS >
ORMEAU BATHS
KEY POINTS RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET

Coherent grid pattern;
Historical architecture a unique asset. FAR RIGHT: AMELIA STREET

3.3 STREET PATTERN & GRAIN NORTH/SOUTH ROUTES >
The Linen Quarter consists of a predominantly gridiron network of streets

running north-south and east-west, forming a clear, ordered pattern that is
complemented by a generally consistent scale of architecture.
This grid makes the Linen Quarter easily navigable and permeable; the
majority of streets provide extensive views that extend across the Quarter
RIGHT: ADELAIDE STREET
in either direction, and there are numerous routes between different
points within the Quarter. The grid sets out a series of perimeter blocks,
which generally contain small access and servicing roads running through FAR RIGHT: LINENHALL STREET
them. The uppermost of the east-west streets - James Street South - is M AY ST RE ET
H
extremely narrow and almost acts (and feels) like a service road for parts DO NE GA LL SQ UA RE SO UT
of its length.
HO WAR D ST RE ET
This clear grid provides an obvious and compelling structure; strong, solid
< EAST/WEST ROUTES
B R U N S W IC K S
architecture creating an ordered framework of streets that shape and
UT H
frame views through as well as out of the Quarter. JA M ES ST RE ET SO
The nature of the grid is the noticeable point of difference where there
TR EE T
ET
is a clear break; and this occurs at the junction of Clarence Street and FR A N K LI N ST RE
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
Linenhall Street , where Linenhall Street West cuts diagonally from
Bedford Street to create an interesting, different junction within the Linen
Quarter.
AM EL IA ST RE ET
Blackstaff Square is another point where there has been a break in the
GR EA T VI CT OR IA
grid; the historical terraced housing and workshops having been removed,
LI N EN HA LL ST RE
peeling back a space at the junction of Brunswick Street and Amelia LEFT: FRANKLIN STREET
A LF RE D ST RE ET
Street. CL AR EN CE ST RE ET
FAR LEFT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
ST RE ET
There are also points where this grid itself has been broken, which offers
ET
clear opportunities to repair the grid with buildings that help to restore
this structure with new buildings of an appropriate scale.
Opportunities to repair the grid include the area to the west of Clarence
Street, as well as the block bordered by Bedford Street and Franklin Street,
where the space in front of the INI building might be extended to create a
SPACES >
new pedestrian link through to Franklin Street and Blackstaff Square. ORME
BRUCE A U AV
S TREE ENUE
T
KEY POINTS RIGHT: JUNCTION OF LINENHALL STREET, CLARENCE

Strong grid of streets; STREET AND LINENHALL STREET WEST
Opportunities to restore the grid and reinforce the street network;
FAR RIGHT: BLACKSTAFF SQUARE
Break in grid at Linenhall Street West.

3.4 STREETS, SPACES & PUBLIC REALM SPACES >
Accompanying the strong street grid is a clear ordering principle created

by the street widths: north-south streets range between 17m and 22m,
while east-west streets are narrower between 9m and 12.5m. This
reinforces the legibility of the Quarter, and provides a clear structure for
buildings and an ordered sense of enclosure. RIGHT: BLACKSTAFF SQUARE
The strong grid does provide limited opportunities for open space, M AY ST RE ET
A LL SQ UA RE SO
U TH FAR RIGHT: JUNCTION OF CLARENCE STREET,
however, the only area of deliberate public realm is Blackstaff Square at DO N EG
23m LINENHALL STREET AND LINENHALL STREET WEST
the very western edge on the junction of Brunswick Street and Amelia
Street. Blackstaff Square is an important space - the proximity of the HO WAR D ST RE ET
Transport Hub means that for many it may be their first experience of the
BR UN SW IC K ST
city - but it is currently somewhere that people move through rather than
spend time within. UT H
JA M ES ST RE ET SO
There is also a paved space in front of the INI building, but at present
9m
< STREETS
RE ET
this feels more like a semi-private forecourt to the building, and requires
considered development of the block to the rear and adjacent to the FR AN KL IN ST RE ET
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
18m
Ewarts building to link it into the surrounding public realm. 12.5m
38m
Great Victoria Street is a busy, congested street that represents a 27m 40m 20m
significant barrier running alongside the Linen Quarter, creating a
challenge for those using the Transport Hub. The pedestrian crossing does
AL FR ED ST RE ET
ET
12.5m AM EL IA ST RE
not respond to this desire line of the many pedestrians moving east to 17m
west through the Linen Quarter towards the Hub. This results in a detour
to use the signal crossing, meaning that in practice that pedestrians LEFT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
often opt to negotiate their way through the static or moving traffic to get GR EA T VI CT OR IA ST 12m
24m
between Amelia Street and the entrance to the Transport Hub opposite. CL AR EN CE ST RE ET 47m FAR LEFT: LINENHALL STREET
Although there are street trees, particularly along the wider north south 22m
streets, a high proportion are in poor health and/or are not an appropriate
RE ET
LI N EN H A LL S T
species for this type of environment. Added to that, there are examples
where they have been positioned in conflict with natural pedestrian flow
along pavements or at junctions.
WAYFINDING >
R EE T
There is no feature lighting, except for some indirect lighting in Blackstaff
Square. Throughout the remainder of the Quarter there are standard
8-10m street columns. ORME
A U AV
ENUE
BRUCE
S TREE 24m
T
KEY POINTS
Broad north-south streets;
KEY RIGHT: STREET SIGNAGE ON LINENHALL STREET
Narrower east-west streets;
Street trees
Limited open space and opportunities to sit and relax; FAR RIGHT: TRADITIONAL STREET SIGNAGE UNIQUE
Street widths
Existing street trees in poor condition and inappropriate species; TO THE QUARTER
Potential for enhanced
Poor connectivity to the Transport Hub.
public realm

3.5 VIEWS, VISTAS, LANDMARKS & NODES VIEWS >
The gridiron block structure of much of the Linen Quarter enables a series
of north-south and east-west views.
On the northern perimeter of the Quarter along Howard Street/Donegall

Square South offer an extensive, orientating east - west view , particularly CITY HALL
to Divis; while Great Victoria Street offers a similarly broad vista south.
M AY ST RE ET RIGHT: VIEW ALONG ADELAIDE STREET
SO U TH
Within the Quarter the north-south streets - Brunswick Street, Bedford DO N EG A LL SQ UA RE MAY
Street and Adelaide Street - all offer connecting views out of the Linen STREET FAR RIGHT: VIEW ALONG HOWARD STREET
Quarter to the north across the city centre itself; while the series of parallel CHURCH
east-west streets provide views that span the breadth of the Quarter. HO WAR D ST RE ET SCOTTISH
TEMPERENCE
The presence of these long views throughout the Quarter mean that a BUILDINGS
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
significant number of buildings find themselves as the focus for a closed
vista, and there needs to be a commensurate uplift in design quality to
respond to this.
JA M ES ST RE ET SO
UT H < VISTAS
GRAND OPERA
The iconic vista is the City Hall along Linenhall Street, and there is also a FR AN KL IN ST RE ET
ET
HOUSE
vista of St Malachy’s Church at the end of Clarence Street. The space at
the intersection of Linenhall Street, Linenhall Street West and Clarence BRYSON
BLACKSTAFF
Street forms a key junction where both of these vistas can be experienced EWARTS HOUSE
SQUARE ST.
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
simultaneously. BUILDING ULSTER
MALACHY’S
AM EL IA ST RE ET HALL
There are a number of landmark buildings: the Scottish Temperence CHURCH
building, built in baronial style, occupies a key corner on Bedford Street
overlooking the City Hall; Ulster Hall, together with the Ewarts building LEFT: CLARENCE STREET TO ST MALACHYS CHURCH
and Bryson House represent an important cluster within the heart of
the Quarter; the Ormeau Baths, St Malachy’s Church and Crown Hotel FAR LEFT: LINENHALL STREET TOWARDS CITY HALL
defining the edges, the latter representing an important tourist attraction
AL FR ED ST RE ET
just as much as a haunt for thirsty locals.
The transport hub acts as a key node at the western gateway to the
RE ET
Quarter, which will continue and increase with the new proposals for train BBC
LANDMARKS >
LI N EN H A LL S T
and bus services. BUILDING
There are a number of key corners throughout the Quarter that help
animation and way finding, particularly the mercantile buildings.
R EE T
ORME
A U AV
ENUE
KEY POINTS KEY
BRUCE
S TREE
T
Orientating north-south and east-west views;
Vistas ORMEAU
Vista of City Hall and St Malachy’s Church; BATHS
Views
Important buildings on corners providing legibility and Nodes GASWORKS
RIGHT: GRAND OPERA HOUSE
orientation;
Landmarks
Weak termination of vistas evident. FAR RIGHT: CITY HALL
Key corners

3.6 PARKING ON-STREET >
There is an extensive amount of car parking currently available within the

Linen Quarter.
Perhaps the most immediately visible is on- street parking. This, together
with time restricted taxi parking dominates, particularly along the wider
north-south streets where it extends along both sides of the street. Of
M AY ST RE ET RIGHT: ADELAIDE STREET
these both Adelaide Street and Linenhall Street provide over 60 spaces SO U TH
RE
each, in contrast to east-west streets such as Franklin Street that currently DO N EG A LL SQ UA
4
provides 37 spaces, followed by Clarence Street (22 spaces) and James FAR RIGHT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
2 5
Street South (8 spaces). Linenhall Street West offers 33 spaces, the HO WAR D ST RE ET 3
2
majority in right angled bays alongside the BBC building. 3 6
UT H
7 JA M ES ST RE ET SO
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
Careful consideration of the amount of on-street car parking to provide 4
3 1
within the Linen Quarter is essential, balancing accessibility needs, 4 5
commercial demands and the desire to create an attractive, safe
5
3 2 3
3 3
5 4 < SURFACE
and vibrant Quarter. The response to this will depend on a detailed 3 6
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
assessment of each street, its character and uses; resisting a ‘one size fits FR AN KL IN ST RE ET 10
ET
AL FR ED ST RE ET
4 3
6
all’ approach across the Quarter. 4 6 4
3 8
Multi-storey car parking is on the corner of Alfred Street and Clarence 7 4
Street, which extends around these streets as well as Adelaide Street. The
3 12 9
use extends to ground floor level, providing an extensive blank façade
AM EL IA7ST RE ET 3
5
11
onto these streets that has a considerable influence on the streetscene. 6
3
There is also some ground floor parking at the base of some buildings, 3
4
GR EA T VI CT OR IA
6
particularly along James Street South and Franklin Street, signified by 4 4 2 2 LEFT: FRANKLIN STREET
roller shutters within the streetscene. 3 3 CL AR EN CE ST RE ET
2 4
2 FAR LEFT: CLARENCE STREET
Certain gap sites are currently in use as surface parking, and there is also 4 8
8 7
LI N EN H A LL S T
ST RE ET
a large compound used for car parking at the western end of Clarence 25
Street.
COVERED >
R EE T
5 12
13
5
5 11
KEY 3
4 3
6
KEY POINTS Multi-storey parking
7
ORME
2
8
Significant amount of car parking but extent of on-street parking Covered ground floor parking B A U AV
RUCE ENUE
S TREE 7
dominates streets across the Quarter; T 7
Surface level parking 2
5
On-street parking supports businesses; On-street parking - 423 spaces 9 8
Multi-storey parking and ground floor car parking has created a series 5
Disabled parking - 5 spaces
of blank and sterile façades that have an impact upon the pedestrian 7
environment. Taxi Stand - 14 spaces
Motorcycle parking - 6 spaces FAR RIGHT: FRANKLIN STREET

Parking entrance

3.7 VEHICLE MOVEMENT BICYCLES >
The Linen Quarter extends across the southern edge of Belfast City Centre,
and performs a key role for public transport for the city with two of its
main north-south streets, Adelaide Street and Bedford Street and those
that form the Quarter boundary being key bus routes. In addition,two
of its four street edges - Great Victoria Street and Bruce Street/Ormeau
Avenue - form the main routes by which vehicles move around the south M AY ST RE ET
RIGHT: BLACKSTAFF SQUARE
city centre.
RE SO U TH
In terms of vehicle movement, the Linen Quarter, therefore, performs DO N EG A LL SQ UA FAR RIGHT: BRUNSWICK STREET
a significant role and it is necessary that this can continue through any HO WAR D ST RE ET
new proposals. Detailed traffic modelling will be necessary to establish
whether alterations to the street network will have any adverse impacts on
the operation and function of the Linen Quarter and the wider city centre. UT H
JA M ES ST RE ET SO
Over and above public transport a significant amount of other vehicular < CARS & BUSES
traffic uses the Linen Quarter; either for general movement through the
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
city but also as a destination to park on street. The extent to which private
FR AN KL IN ST RE ET
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
vehicle traffic should continue to use the Linen Quarter as a connecting
LI N EN HA LL ST RE
route, as opposed to a destination, will dictate the nature and quality of
the Quarter and how it feels; how pleasant and attractive the streets are
ET
and how easy it is for pedestrians to move around.
AM EL IA ST RE ET
ET
For the most part the Linen Quarter is a network of two-way streets. There
are a number of exceptions: Donegall Square South forms part of a one-
AL FR ED ST RE ET
way gyratory that loops around Belfast City Hall; Adelaide Street is one-
LEFT: HOWARD STREET
way south towards Ormeau Avenue; Alfred Street is one-way north in the CL AR EN CE ST RE ET
direction of May Street; Amelia Street is also one way west from Blackstaff
Square to Great Victoria Street. There are a series of defined taxi bays,
FAR LEFT: ADELAIDE STREET
particularly near to the Transport Hub and the hotels to the west, and
there are also cycle hire hubs in Blackstaff Square and on Linenhall Street.
RE ET
A new two way cycle route has been installed along the western side of
Alfred Street.
SERVICING >
Establishing a clear, logical framework, which enables good movement for
vehicles while also promoting and enhancing pedestrian activity will be
essential for the future growth of the Quarter. KEY ORME
A U AV
ENUE
Loading bay
BRUCE
S TREE
KEY POINTS Bus stop T
Traffic uses the Linen Quarter as a through route; Cycle hire hub
Multi-lane street along the southern edge of the City Hall; Lane direction
Bus lane RIGHT: AMELIA STREET

Predominant two-way streets;
Cycle lane FAR RIGHT: CLARENCE STREET
New cycle route along Alfred Street.
Belfast Rapid Transit Phase 1

3.8 PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT FLOW >
The grid of streets means that there is a considerable amount of choice as

TO CITY HALL,
to routes in and around the area, and this permeability is a positive factor.
WESTERN QUARTER
There are two principal pedestrian links: across Great Victoria Street to
the Transport Hub; and the route along Bedford Street that extends north
across Howard Street/Donegall Square South to the City Hall and south M AY ST RE ET
along Dublin Road. These represent important arrival points into and SQ UA RE SO UT H RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET
DO NE GA LL
out of the Quarter. In addition, there are a series of pedestrian routes,
particularly to the south and east, that connect with the neighbouring FAR RIGHT: FRANKLIN STREET
HO WAR D ST RE ET
communities of Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and Markets.
Street width and layout at the Great Victoria Street/Bruce Street and
Cromac Road/ Ormeau Avenue/Ormeau Road junctions act as a significant
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
barrier between these neighbouring communities and the Linen Quarter. UT H
JA M ES ST RE ET SO TO
< PAVEMENTS
App
Although there is a strong pedestrian flow along Great Victoria Street, WATERFRONT
rox 5
Amelia Street forms the main point of arrival for the vast majority of / MARKETS
ET
m
visitors and workers; a significant volume of pedestrians head through
i n s wa
Blackstaff Square and either along Franklin Street or up Brunswick Street. FR AN KL IN ST RE ET
Making the most of this route is therefore an important objective in
lk (400m) from Transport Hub

emphasising this point of arrival to draw people through the Quarter.
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
Bedford Street is a particularly important and well used street that runs A M EL IA ST RE ET
through the Quarter and connects City Hall and the commercial core to TRANSPORT
Dublin Road and the Queens Campus to the south. The junction with HUB
Howard Street, linking across to City Hall, is important in ensuring a strong LEFT: ADELAIDE STREET
GR EA T VI CT OR IA
connection with the city centre.
FAR LEFT: AMELIA STREET
AL FR ED ST RE ET
Cars and car parking can have a detrimental impact on pedestrian
movement; the main north-south streets are busy and there is a steady
LI N EN H A LL S T
flow of traffic that can make crossing the street difficult. The street width
ST RE ET
and layout exacerbates this; narrow pavements and wide streets mean
the pavement to pavement distance can be quite considerable. This
CROSSINGS >
R EE T
presents particular challenges for families with young children, those with
mobility problems and pedestrians who have experienced sight loss.
Reducing this distance where possible and slowing traffic speeds, while TO SANDY
maintaining essential movement, will be an important objective in ROW ORME
TO QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY / A U AV
providing the Quarter with an appropriate pedestrian environment to KEY ENUE
encourage movement and activity. DONEGALL PASS
Key pedestrian desire line (moderate flow) BRUCE
S TREE T
Key pedestrian desire line (high flow)
KEY POINTS
Significant crossing point
Narrow pavements;
Key connections to communities beyond quarter RIGHT: LINENHALL STREET
Pedestrian environment of varied quality;
Point of orientation / directional decision
FAR RIGHT: GREAT VICTORIA STREET
Connections into and out of the Quarter need improvement.
First Phase priority for improvement

3.9 FRONTAGES & ENTRANCES POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION >
The quality of buildings and the design of the ground floor have an
important influence on the success of streets and spaces within the Linen
Quarter.
The number of openings, windows and doors, as well as the extent of

architectural detail, texture and ornamentation, dictates how attractive, RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET
stimulating and active those street will be. This can be enhanced by uses M AY ST RE ET
RE SO U TH FAR RIGHT: BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF
that either spill out onto the street or that are clearly visible to passers by, DO N EG A LL SQ UA
creating an interrelationship with the users of a building. LINENHALL STREET & JAMES STREET SOUTH
HO WAR D ST RE ET
Quality at ground floor does not necessarily depend on the height of
buildings; it is more a question of the architectural approach. This can be
seen with the historical red brick buildings that offer a positive frontage to
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
UT H
the street due to their visual richness, texture and articulation while being JA M ES ST RE ET SO
large blocks with stepped access and raised cill heights. < NEGATIVE CONTRIBUTION
More modern buildings or blocks can, by contrast, offer fewer details
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
ET
and, particularly given their scale extending across entire blocks, exhibit
large ‘dead’ sections, with plant or ‘back of house’ areas. Extensive
areas of ‘dead frontage’ can have a significant impact upon the street;
the reduced animation and activity at the building edge having a strong
interrelationship with how safe the street is and therefore how it is used. A M EL IA ST RE ET
There are significant positive areas worth noting: for the most part
Bedford Street represents a positive pedestrian street environment with LEFT: CLARENCE STREET LOOKING WEST
GR EA T VI CT OR IA
a strong urban grain, visual detail and range of shopfronts. Efforts should
be made to reinforce this through positive shopfront guidance and careful CL AR EN CE ST RE ET FAR LEFT: BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF FRANKLIN
consideration of new proposals on weaker sections of the street. STREET & BEDFORD STREET
LI N EN H A LL S T
ST RE ET
Other positive examples include significant sections of Clarence Street;
AL FR ED ST RE ET
the left hand side on the northern end of Linenhall Street and the western
end of James Street South.
R EE T
Less successful areas are to be found at the eastern edge of the Quarter,
particularly those blocks between Linenhall Street and Adelaide Street, as
ENTRANCES >
well as the modern addition to the BBC building on Linenhall Street West.
ORME
A U AV
ENUE
BRUCE
S TREE
T
KEY POINTS
Traditional buildings contain strong grain with frequent doors and KEY
entrances;
Positive contribution RIGHT: ENTRANCES ONTO CLARENCE STREET
Larger single uses with few entrances;
Negative contribution
Design guidelines to set out standards for doors and entrances. RIGHT: ENTRANCES ONTO ADELAIDE STREET
Entrance

3.10 BUILDING TYPE RED BRICK MERCANTILE >
The Linen Quarter is comprised of a number of different building

types: red brick Linen mercantile buildings and warehouses; a range of
associated Victorian buildings built at around the same period (with the
exception of the Listed BBC façade); and modern buildings built from the
mid twentieth century through to the present day in a variety of styles and RIGHT: LINENHALL STREET
architectural approaches. M AY ST RE ET
RE SO U TH
The Linen warehouses provide a strong vernacular and identity, which is DO N EG A LL SQ UA FAR RIGHT: BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF
unique within the city and should provide a framework for development ADELAIDE STREET & CLARENCE STREET
within the Quarter. Associated with these, a number of other Victorian HO WAR D ST RE ET
buildings complement these warehouse buildings. Generally lower in
scale, these offer a positive relationship with the street through their visual
detailing and materiality. UT H
JA M ES ST RE ET SO
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
Modern development has dominated certain parts of the Quarter, < OTHER HISTORIC
particularly the north eastern edge, and for the most part this has tended
to be modern office blocks, exhibiting a range of examples relating to their
ET
respective periods of construction.
LI N EN HA LL ST RE
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
AM EL IA ST RE ET
ET
LEFT: CLARENCE STREET
AL FR ED ST RE ET
CL AR EN CE ST RE ET FAR LEFT: WORKMAN WAREHOUSE, CLARENCE STREET
RE ET
MODERN >
ORME
A U AV
ENUE
BRUCE
S TREE
T
KEY
RIGHT: DORCHESTER HOUSE, GREAT VICTORIA STREET
KEY POINTS Red brick mercantile
Strong context from Mercantile architecture; FAR RIGHT: BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF BEDFORD
Other historic
Complementary buildings providing contrast. STREET & CLARENCE STREET WEST
Modern

3.11 BUILDING QUALITY LISTED BUILDINGS >
The Linen Quarter is experiencing a significant amount of developer

interest surrounding a range of sites, making it imperative that there is
clear direction to inform the quality of new development coming forward.
This needs to achieve the twin aims of helping the Linen Quarter to grow
and achieve its aim to provide a greater degree of Grade A office space,
RIGHT: EWARTS BUILDING, BEDFORD STREET
while simultaneously protecting the strong qualities and characteristics M AY ST RE ET
that help define its Conservation Area status.
DO N EG A LL SQ UA RE SO U TH
FAR RIGHT: ADELAIDE STREET / CLARENCE STREET
It is not always evident that new development has had a positive impact
within the Quarter. In some cases this is because post modern buildings HO WAR D ST RE ET
have failed to appreciate the unique qualities of the Conservation Area,
in others buildings have attempted to rigorously follow the architectural
BR UN SW IC K ST RE
language but have been let down by a combination of poor detailing, UT H
JA M ES ST RE ET SO
choice of materials or shallow floor to ceiling heights that have resulted in
buildings acting as a poor pastiche.
< OTHER SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS
The Linen Quarter has a number of Listed Buildings, clustered for the most
ET
part around Bedford Street, although given the historical nature of the FR AN KL IN ST RE ET
LI N EN HA LL ST RE
Quarter and its origins there are perhaps fewer protected buildings than
might be imagined.
Building quality has been assessed based on the following criteria (for the
AM EL IA ST RE ET
ET
full study, please refer to Appendix 03):
BE DF OR D ST RE ET
• The extent to which the buildings enhance the character of the LEFT: LINENHALL STREET / FRANKLIN STREET
Conservation Area;
CL AR EN CE ST RE ET FAR LEFT: BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF LINENHALL
AL FR ED ST RE ET
• The degree of animation at ground floor; STREET WEST & CLARENCE STREET
• The quality of materials and how they are used and employed.
In certain parts of the Quarter there are buildings where opportunities

RE ET
could be taken to respond to the prevailing qualities and character of the

Quarter in a positive manner.
BUILDINGS WITH POTENTIAL TO
IMPROVE THEIR CONTRIBUTION >
ORME
A U AV
ENUE
BRUCE
S TREE
KEY T
Listed buildings (positive contribution)

KEY POINTS
Significant clusters of good quality buildings; Other significant buildings that make a positive contribution RIGHT: BUILDING ON THE CORNER OF ALFRED STREET
Neutral buildings & CLARENCE STREET
Mixed success of modern buildings;
Buildings with potential to improve their contribution FAR RIGHT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
Need for design guidance to inform new development.
Buildings subject to development proposals

3.12 LAND USES CAFÉS/BARS/RESTAURANTS >
One of the key ingredients of a successful place is the manner in which OUTH
LL SQ UARE S
buildings interact with the ground plane. The Linen Quarter has buildings D ONEGA
and streets that achieve this with varying degrees of success. AD
UPPER
EL A
IDE
Offices make the greatest proportion of ground floor uses, in certain STR
EE T
locations dominating entire blocks, particularly around the north east LIN
part of the Quarter. The size and scale of some of these blocks create
challenges in achieving an active and vibrant street scene.
BR
UN
SW
ICK
STR
BED
FOR
ENH
ALL
STR
EE T
FLOORS RIGHT: GREAT VICTORIA STREET
EE T DS FAR RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET

Active ground floor uses – those that make a positive contribution to the TRE
GR ET
street and the wider environment – are clustered at certain locations, with E AT
VIC
spill out space defined by temporary screens. Cafés, bars and restaurants TOR
are scattered throughout the Linen Quarter, apart from the north-east IA
STR
corner, at varying degrees of intensity. EE T
ORMEAU AVENUE
< SHOPS
There are a range of other uses: a limited number of shops, some
residential apartments and a growing number of hotels, which point to
the importance of this location within the city centre.
Active uses - cafés, restaurants and sandwich shops - need to be

encouraged across the Quarter, but particularly along important
pedestrian routes and around focal spaces. This will not only help serve
emerging demand within the Quarter, but also help provide activity and
animation at street level. OUTH
LL SQ UARE S
D ONEGA LEFT: BRUCE STREET
The upper floors throughout the Quarter are predominantly offices.
This has implications for the broader street environment , however, in
that a significant number of buildings are empty during the evening,
AD
EL A
IDE
STR
LOWER FAR LEFT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
FLOORS
contributing to streets with little life and vibrancy. LIN EE T
BR ENH
UN ALL
There are a number of hotels, which result in coming and going at SW
ICK BED STR
different points throughout the day, evening and night. STR FOR EE T
EE T DS
In the south-eastern corner of the Quarter there are a number of
residential blocks, clustered towards Ormeau Avenue.
GR
E AT
TRE
ET OFFICES >
VIC
TOR
IA
STR
EE T
KEY POINTS ORMEAU AVENUE

Predominant office use;
Some clusters of cafés, sandwich shops and restaurants;

KEY Hotel
Encourage more active uses to promote activity and street life; Office Residential
Cluster of residential uses in the south east corner of the Quarter; Cafe/Bar/Restaurant Car Park
RIGHT: GREAT VICTORIA STREET
Growing number of hotel uses. Shop Derelict / under development FAR RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET
Leisure Undefined

3.13 ASSETS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3.14 SUMMARY OF ANALYSIS
The analysis can be summarised in the matrix opposite, which draws

out the assets and opportunities for the Linen Quarter and highlights the
ASSETS OPPORTUNITIES THEMES
themes that need to be addressed. Historic architecture Reinforce connection to the Transport Hub
Together, these create a framework that should instruct and shape the
future development of the Quarter, to ensure that it becomes a successful
and viable part of Belfast city centre.
CITY HALL LOCATION Established office uses
Proximity to Transport Hub
Historical character Improvements to ground floor environment
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
BROAD STREETS ACTIVE STREET

Need for a central space
BROAD STREETS TREES ACTIVE STREET

The themes are:
HIGH QUALITY Create a better connection with the Transport Hub
OFFICES
BUSY STREET
Strong grid of streets Reinforce the grid where it breaks at Linenhall Street West
BUILDINGS STREET PATTERN AND GRAIN

REINFORCING HISTORICAL CHARACTER
POOR FRONTAGES STREETS, SPACES AND PUBLIC REALM
Broad north-south streets, narrower east-west streets
Significant number of existing street trees
More useable open space and opportunities to sit and relax
Better connectivity with the Transport Hub
TREES
HIGH QUALITY
GETTING NEW BUILDINGS RIGHT Orientating north-south east-west views
BUILDINGS
Improve buildings to close vistas
VIEWS, VISTAS, LANDMARKS AND NODES
TRANSPORT PEDESTRIAN DESIRE LINE
Vista of City Hall and St Malachy’s Church
CREATING LIVEABLE STREETS OFFICES Important buildings on corners providing legibility and orientation
HUB PARKING
On street car parking across the Quarter supports businesses Rebalance streets with fewer car park spaces on certain east-west streets
SEVERANCE
GAINING A SENSE OF ARRIVAL Permeable street layout Introduce hierarchy to improve legibility
MOVEMENT
DEVELOPING SPACES AND THE PUBLIC
REALM
OFFICES HOTEL Improve crossings and pedestrian environment
PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT Wide streets offer opportunity for extended public realm
ENCOURAGING NEW LAND USES CAFES OFFICES Traditional buildings contain strong grain with frequent doors and
entrances
Design guidelines to set out standards for doors and entrances;
FRONTAGES AND ENTRANCES

SHOPS
The Vision (in the following chapter of the document) will address each of
APARTMENTS BUILDING TYPE
Strong context from Mercantile architecture, complementary buildings
providing contrast
Introduce buildings that will enhance the character of the Quarter
these themes through the Vision Objectives.

Significant clusters of good quality buildings; Mixed success of modern buildings - need for design guidance to
BUILDING QUALITY inform new development
SE V ER
ANCE Established office uses Encourage more active uses to promote activity and street life
LAND USES Some clusters of cafes, sandwich shops and restaurants

Cluster of residential uses in the south east corner of the Quarter
Growing number of hotel uses

4.0
VISION
4.1 VISION OVERVIEW
The Linen Quarter has a unique capacity to become an even more

successful, attractive part of Belfast City Centre.
Central to this is to create an improved sense of arrival, particularly

from the new Transport Hub, but also from the City Hall, which will attract
To redefine the Linen Quarter to become the city’s and draw people into the Quarter.
Rather than a series of traffic dominated streets, the Linen Quarter will
PRIME BUSINESS DESTINATION enjoy a greater degree of pedestrian priority, with new street typologies,
allowing office workers to move freely between buildings and enable uses
to spill out onto more generous pavements. Street trees and new paving
will create an attractive environment that provides an improved setting
for buildings, and enhanced crossing points that make it easier to move
around.
New focal spaces will provide an opportunity for workers and residents
to sit out; a focal point for congregating, events or simply to enjoy a
sandwich a short stroll away from the office.
Historical buildings will be preserved and where necessary brought

back into imaginative reuse, celebrating their unique character within the
city. This will be reinforced by clear guidance for new buildings that
can reinforce the character of the area while also providing the necessary
space and qualities needed to attract new offices into the Quarter.
KEY
Arrival point
Pedestrian priority street
Vehicular priority street
Focal space
Key connections to neighbourhoods

beyond the quarter

4.2 VISION OBJECTIVE 1
ENHANCE THE ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE
• Create a strong and clear sense of arrival at the new Transport Hub;
• Draw people into the city across Great Victoria Street;
• Increase pedestrian priority while retaining traffic flow;
• Improve the connections with the City Hall across Donegall Square
South.
POYNTON, CHESHIRE
KEY
Arrival point
Key connections to neighbourhoods CENTRAAL STATION, ROTTERDAM QUEEN STREET, BRISBANE

beyond the quarter

4.2 VISION OBJECTIVE 1 4.2 VISION OBJECTIVE 1
ENHANCE THE ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE - GREAT VICTORIA STREET ILLUSTRATIVE VISUAL - ENHANCE THE ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE - GREAT VICTORIA STREET
The Transport Hub already generates a significant amount of pedestrian DESIGN DRIVERS
footfall, which is projected to increase with the development of the Belfast
• Create a positive sense of arrival and departure;  
Hub Integrated Transport Project.
• Improve legibility;  
An integrated and coherent approach to the development of the Transport
Hub - meeting the physical requirements for the operation of the train and • Respond to natural desire lines;  
bus services and its associated servicing as well as providing an attractive
and inviting destination for Belfast - will be essential. • Increase pedestrian priority.  
There are a number of potential configurations for the Transport Hub, INITIAL PROPOSALS
and the final choice of layout needs to ensure that, as well as practical
transport infrastructure considerations, the arrival experience into the city • Removal of clutter and regrade the forecourt of the Northern Mall to
is attractive, convivial, safe and inviting. enhance the arrival experience;
Although all routes identified have various challenges, it is suggested • Introduce a ‘supercrossing’ that makes the pedestrian crossing more
that the established route that takes commuters through the Northern direct and obvious and responds to where people want to go;
Mall onto Great Victoria Street offers the most direct, closest access • Rationalise street furniture;
into the city centre, away from main roads that will make for a poor and
unattractive arrival experience. The aspiration is that there is a better • No loss of road space;
relationship between the Transport Hub and the Linen Quarter, which will
• Close Amelia Street to vehicle traffic.
enhance the arrival experience in the city and maximise the opportunity
for regeneration on both sides of this part of Great Victoria Street and east Any changes to the existing layout of Great Victoria Street would
through the Linen Quarter to the city centre. require further detailed analysis and be subject to financial support
and alignment with Transport NI and other transportation plans. The
While the current environment is poor, further investigation should be
illustrative scenario does not seek to provide the definitive solution.
given to improving the quality of this internal route, in addition to any
Appropriate traffic modelling and studies will need to be undertaken
works that are proposed in this document, to achieve the sense of arrival
as required by Transport NI as proposals for the Transport Hub are
closer to that expected into a major city.
developed. More detailed design proposals will be the subject of the
necessary statutory planning consents and Traffic Regulation Orders. This
will require further detailed public consultation as proposals emerge.
KEY
KEY Feature Tree
Entrances Positive contribution New Paving

building Proposed Blackstaff Square
Existing trees
Negative contribution Existing Surface Retained
Cycle way building
Taxi stand New Crossing Point (super crossing)
Inactive frontage
Bus shelter Transport
Bus stop
Bollards Existing Level Change
Bin
Road direction Main Pedestrian Flow
Bus lane
Listed building Spill-out Space Retained
Pedestrian crossing

DEVELOP NEW STREET TYPOLOGIES
The strong street grid is a strong component of the character of the

Quarter and should be emphasised. A series of options for setting out the
street typologies present themselves that broadly follow three scenarios:
• Emphasise north - south routes;
• Prioritise east - west movement;
• Celebrate the junctions.
The suggested preference is perhaps a combination of the three:

reinforcing north - south routes in response to the peak flows; encourage
greater life and activity along east - west streets; and highlight the
junctions to enable easier crossing and movement.
PRIORITY KOMPAGNISTRAEDE, COPENHAGEN

NORTH-SOUTH
STREETS
PRIORITY
EAST-WEST
STREETS
KEY

PRIORITY Vehicular priority street ST. JOHNS, BLACKPOOL FISHERGATE, PRESTON
JUNCTIONS

ILLUSTRATIVE VISUAL TYPOLOGIES - PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY STREET TYPOLOGIES - PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY STREET
DESIGN DRIVERS Reduction and sensitive New street trees providing a new Increased pavement width to
integration of on-street parking frame for the street improve pedestrian environment
The east-west streets should encourage greater pedestrian priority and
freedom of movement, allowing surrounding uses to spill out onto these
quieter side streets while also retaining natural areas for pedestrians.
Pavement width should extend out to ‘pinch the street’ and provide
opportunities for seating in defined zones away from main circulation
route while retaining appropriate street width for vehicle movement. .
This will facilitate greater activity and animation, offering the opportunity
for greater ‘dwell’ and the potential for events and activities such as street
markets to take place in these streets.
The redefinition of these streets into places where people are more able
to meet and congregate is an important element in redefining the Linen
Quarter as a destination within Belfast city centre.
Key aspects should include:
• Reduced crossing distances at junctions;
• Encouraging dwell and activity linked to ground floor uses to promote

life through the Linen Quarter;
• Introduce appropriate species of street trees;
• Reduction of the proportion of on-street parking;
• Incorporate Streets Ahead palette of materials but specific to Linen

Quarter.
INITIAL PROPOSALS  
• Standard kerb height 125mm (with 25mm tolerance) reducing to
60mm where appropriate and safe to do so.
• Tree planting and on-street parking within the street;
• 5.5m carriageway for vehicles;
• Retention of granite kerbs.
Extended paving allows businesses

Spill out space configured to respond to spill out into a zone away from the
to businesses and uses main circulation route

ILLUSTRATIVE TYPOLOGIES - VEHICULAR PRIORITY STREET ILLUSTRATIVE SECTIONS
Rebalancing the street network is critical to make a more attractive and

vibrant Quarter, while at the same time not retaining essential vehicle
movement and servicing.  
The design of the street network should respond to key pedestrian routes,
offering greater opportunity for businesses to spill out onto the street and
add to street life.
The street hierarchy within the Quarter should be reflected in the street
design, pavement width and crossing detail. Extended pavements, with
a clear zone for street furniture or car parking offer greater space for
pedestrians and help to emphasise movement.
PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY STREET - CROSS SECTION VEHICULAR PRIORITY STREET - CROSS SECTION
The extra space also offers opportunity for tree planting, helping to Wide pavement encouraging
emphasise and frame long views and vistas. pedestrian flow
Paving should ‘extend through’ east - west streets to emphasise the

priority.  
DESIGN DRIVERS
• ‘Flow’ to be encouraged on busy north - south streets;
• Enhance pedestrian experience;  
• Improve road crossing for pedestrians;  
• Reduce dominance of on-street parking;  
• Increase proportion of disabled parking.
• North-south streets with carriageway narrowing to encourage
businesses to spill out onto the street;
• Additional space for tree planting;
• Tree planting and on-street parking within the street; Flexible pedestrian space Reduced carriageway Flexible pedestrian space Flexible pedestrian space On-street parking
width
• Simple materials palette;
• A 7.3m carriageway for vehicles.

New street trees providing a
new frame for the street
More detail concerning the materiality of new street typologies is included
in Appendix 02.

ILLUSTRATIVE VISUAL - NEW STREET TYPOLOGIES DEVELOP NEW STREET TYPOLOGIES
CLARENCE STREET AFTER (INDICATIVE VISUALISATION)

CREATE NEW FOCAL SPACES
There is a need to improve the quality of public spaces within the Linen
Quarter, offering opportunities for workers, residents and visitors to be
able to use the Quarter in a different manner to which they do at present.
New spaces should help to define the Quarter and support its day to day
function - offering flexible spaces that can be used to meet and have lunch
away from the office as well as somewhere that can operate as a venue for
events in the evening.
Two interventions are suggested:
A redefined Blackstaff Square (a)
Blackstaff Square can become a key space within the city centre and serve
as a positive gateway into the Quarter from the Transport Hub.
Proposals should seek to retain the natural flow through the space while
also encourage the surrounding businesses to interact with and use it.
New uses are proposed around Blackstaff Square and it is important that
they have an appropriate, attractive setting.
LEOPOLD SQUARE, SHEFFIELD
A new central space (b)
A new space at the junction of Linenhall Street and Clarence Street can
provide a new heart for the Linen Quarter, increasing dwell and becoming
the focus for activity and events throughout the year.
The position of the space can take advantage of the views to the City Hall
and St Malachy’s, as well as extending along Linenhall Street West to make
the connection with Dublin Road.
The relocation of the BBC offers the opportunity to remove the modern
extension to the rear of the Listed Building and introduce a new building
that will provide a more sympathetic edge to any new space.
KEY
FIRST STREET, MANCHESTER © David Millington Photography Ltd. GOOSE GREEN, ALTRINCHAM
New focal space

4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3A 4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3A
NEW SPACE - BLACKSTAFF SQUARE NEW SPACE - BLACKSTAFF SQUARE
Due to the proximity of the Transport Hub, Blackstaff Square and Amelia DESIGN CONCEPT
Street will be the first space that many visitors to Belfast will experience.
• Continue to encourage flow through the space, ‘the street’ that will
retain movement to and from the Transport Hub;
Blackstaff Square acts as more of a transition space for those accessing
the Transport Hub, people cross it and while there is a lot of ‘flow’ there is • Introduce a central space, ‘the square’ that will encourage ‘dwell’ and
little ‘dwell’; it is not somewhere that people like to linger.   allow people to sit and enjoy the space;
The current environment exacerbates this: the existing Lime trees are not • Allow events and occasional activities and enable businesses to spill
conducive to encouraging lingering; there is a limited amount of seating out around the square;
and bollards and brick planters combine to break the space rather than
encourage people to stay within it. • Introduce significant trees on the corner to help mark the Square and
highlight it from Queen Street and Franklin Street;
There is a disconnection between the businesses around the north and
north-west edges of the square and the space itself. • Enable movement and servicing around the edge of the space to
ensure its continued smooth operation;
Any proposals for Blackstaff Square need to consider the arrival point
and movement patterns across and along Great Victoria Street as part of • Close Amelia Street to vehicle traffic
the wider strategic works - particularly Bus Rapid Transit - that are taking
place in relation to the ring road, which will influence traffic movement.
DESIGN DRIVERS
• Allow the Square to become a destination and transition space;   KEY
• Enhance legibility and wayfinding;   Entrances
• Encourage businesses to use and customise the space; Existing trees
Cycle way
• Provide opportunities to sit and enjoy the space;
Taxi stand
• Allow circulation and servicing while retaining pedestrian priority.  
Parking
Bollards
Road direction
Listed building KEY
Positive contribution The Street

building
The Square
building The Circulation
Fenced planting Pedestrian flow
Inactive frontage Circulation around the square
Blackstaff Square Vehicle flow and drop off/pick up
Building under demolition Servicing and deliveries
Bin

4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3A SQUARE >
CONCEPT DRAWING NEW SPACE - BLACKSTAFF SQUARE
BRUNSWICK STREET
RIGHT: HAMMERSMITH GROVE, LONDON
Introduce new street trees FAR RIGHT: FISHERGATE, PRESTON

Paved city square for an attractive
urban grain
Design of space enables buildings to
front onto, overlook and open
out into the space < ACTIVITY
Feature lighting with architectural
interest for day / year round use
Amelia Street closed to vehicle
traffic to promote pedestrian
movement and connectivity to
the Transport Hub
Bespoke planters with integrated FRANKLIN STREET

seating allowing spill out uses
LEFT: RIJKSMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM
FAR LEFT: STRØGET, COPENHAGEN
A pedestrianised streetscene which retains access for

servicing and deliveries;
MATERIALS >
AMELIA STREET
RIGHT: LEOPOLD SQUARE, SHEFFIELD
FAR RIGHT: GOOSE GREEN, ALTRINCHAM

4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3A
CONCEPT VISUAL NEW FOCAL SPACE - BLACKSTAFF SQUARE
BLACKSTAFF SQUARE AFTER (VISUALISATION)

4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3B 4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3B
NEW SPACE - LINENHALL SQUARE NEW SPACE - LINENHALL SQUARE
The Linen Quarter does not have a focal space that can also act as DESIGN CONCEPT
somewhere for people to go, a space that office workers can escape to
enjoy a sandwich at lunchtime.   • Introduction of raised grass lawns for people to spill out onto;
The junction between Linenhall Street, Linenhall Street West and Clarence • Trees connecting through to the front of the BBC building;
Street offers an opportunity to introduce such a space, which would be • Retention of views to the important corners of the triangular Linenhall
enhanced by the interesting junction created by the corner building on building;
Linenhall Street West, as well as the vistas of both the City Hall and St
Malachy’s. • New buildings to the rear of the Listed BBC building
LI N EN HA LL ST R EE
The potential relocation of the BBC from the building occupying the
B ED FO R D ST R EE T
southern side of this space offers a further opportunity, any new building
T
potentially arranged to form a newly shaped space. The Listed BBC CL A R EN CE ST R EE
building would be retained. The design concept will be developed through
T
close working with the BBC and other neighbourhood stakeholders.
DESIGN DRIVERS
• Create a new destination space within the Quarter;  
• Introduce a green space;  
• Create an space for people to meet and congregate.   T

W ES
R EE T
ST
H ALL KEY
N
L INE Feature Trees
Street Trees
KEY New Primary Paths
Entrances New Secondary Paving
Existing trees Ornamental Planting
Cycle parking Raised Walkway
Parking Lawns
BBC BUILDING
Road direction Raised Deck / Event space
Listed building Furniture Elements
Positive contribution Spill-out Recreation

building
Retained Listed building footprint
building Indicative new building
Fenced planting Pedestrian priority street
Inactive frontage Paving addressed through new street typology

4.4 VISION OBJECTIVE 3B SQUARE >
CONCEPT DRAWING NEW FOCAL SPACE - LINENHALL SQUARE
RIGHT: SÜDGELÄNDE NATURE PARK, BERLIN

• Optimising the façades and frontages of existing buildings
BED FOR D STR EET
RETAINED BLOCK FAR RIGHT: FIRST STREET, MANCHESTER

• Attractive and richly planted beds © David Millington Photography Ltd.
• Curved, dual sided feature bench
• Raised deck to allow flexible uses
• Raised walkway with access onto a gently rising lawn for people to
sit on
< ACTIVITY
• Curving avenue of street trees leading down to Dublin Road
• Narrowed carriage to ~6m (2 way maintained), introducing street trees
LEFT: VELOPARK, MANCHESTER

© Vantage Point Photos
RETAINED LISTED FAR LEFT: GLEISDREIECK PARK, BERLIN

INDICATIVE NEW BLOCK
LINE NHAL L STRE ET

BBC BUILDING
MATERIALS >
• Existing road lanes retained to allow traffic flow between Bedford

Street and Ormeau Avenue
• Thomas Thompson Memorial maintained with new paving

INDICATIVE NEW BLOCK
RIGHT: HAMMERSMITH GROVE, LONDON
ORM
E AU FAR RIGHT: BO01, MALMO
AV E N
UE

MAKE THE MOST OF THE UNIQUE BUILDING STOCK
The existing historical building stock across the Quarter is a significant

asset, providing a wealth of distinctive buildings that can be adapted for
different uses.
Recognising the Conservation Area status of the Quarter, the objective

should be to work with and respect the key historical assets within the
Quarter to establish how they can best be used and where necessary MAY STRE ET
brought back into productive use. DONEGALL SQUARE SOUTH
HOWA RD STRE ET
BRU NSW ICK STR EET

DESIGN DRIVERS
• Assess building quality and suitability for different types of uses;
• Investigate complementary uses that can help expand the offer within
the Quarter to extend life and activity at different hours of the day and
week; FRA NKL IN STR EET
LIN EN HA LL ST RE ET
• Introduce horizontal and vertical grain, breaking up building uses to AME LIA STR EET
provide greater flexibility and activity.
BED FOR D STR EET

THE PERCH, FRANKLIN STREET, BELFAST
ALFRED
S TREE T
ST RE ET CLA RE NC E STR EET
GR EA T VI CT OR IA
BRU
CE S
TREE
T ORME
A U AV
ENUE
KEY
ADELAIDE STREET, BELFAST LINENHALL STREET, BELFAST
Existing historical building stock

MAKE THE MOST OF THE UNIQUE BUILDING STOCK MAKE THE MOST OF THE UNIQUE BUILDING STOCK
The red brick Mercantile architecture provides a strong focus for the Linen CREATING VERTICAL GRAIN THROUGH COMPLEMENTARY USES  INITIAL PROPOSALS  
Quarter and offers significant opportunity for development.
• Set out design parameters for Mercantile buildings across the Quarter;  
The generous floor to ceiling heights offer scope for a wide range of uses
• Explore shared entrances and horizontal mixed use.
to be accommodated within these buildings, meaning they are efficient in
terms of their flexibility and adaptability. This can also be extended further
to provide a combination of uses at different floors, introducing horizontal
grain, offering greater diversity that can allow the Linen Quarter to extend
its hours of operation through the day and evening.
Achieving an appropriate balance of uses across the Quarter will be an

essential driver. In addition to the need for Grade A office space, the
unique building stock also lends itself to a balance of complimentary uses
that can add life and vibrancy to the area. This is imperative to ensure that
the street environment ‘after hours’ is active and inviting.
There are numerous options for how the existing Mercantile buildings can
be configured in order to maximise the value of the buildings and extend
the ‘life’ throughout the day.
DESIGN DRIVERS
• Retain Mercantile architecture;
• Find appropriate and beneficial uses;
• Promote mix and grain.

PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR NEW BUILDINGS
New architecture within the Linen Quarter and offers significant

opportunity for development.
DESIGN DRIVERS
• Highlight the significant components for new buildings:
- the manner in which they meet the ground;
- the roof profile and impact on the skyline;
• Set parameters to help reinforce character and identity;
• Identify opportunities to improve the streetscene, particularly through

activating the ground floor environment.
DRAYCOTT AVENUE, LONDON
KEY
Buildings or spaces with potential to GAMMELTOFTSGADE, COPENHAGEN LINENHALL STREET, BELFAST

improve their contribution

PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR NEW BUILDINGS PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR NEW BUILDINGS
A number of different approaches have been taken to new buildings

across the Linen Quarter: attempting to ‘marry in’ with traditional
architecture; providing a distinct contrast to it; or developing ‘in the
moment’ that personifies the architecture that is popular at the time,
regardless of context.
All three approaches have been employed within the Linen Quarter, with
varying degrees of success. Setting out a coherent architectural approach
is important in reinforcing the identity and character of the Linen
Quarter. This may be a combination of ‘foreground’ and more restrained
‘background’ buildings, depending on the streetscene.
DESIGN DRIVERS
• Ensure a consistent approach to architecture;  
• Reinforce strong prevailing character;
• Create a positive relationship with the street with active frontages;
• Setting clear yet flexible guidelines for new buildings.
• Defining a design framework to help guide new development;  
• Establish a City Design Review Panel to help advise on

building quality.  
SHEFFIELD DESIGN REVIEW PANEL SHEFFIELD DESIGN REVIEW PANEL

5.0
CONCLUSIONS
5.0 CONCLUSIONS 5.0 CONCLUSIONS
Blackstaff Square creates
INDICATIVE VISION
a welcome gateway
This series of proposals and initiatives for the Linen Quarter aim to set out
a route map for its future, both retaining its burgeoning role as Belfast’s
CBD but suggesting the introduction of further complimentary uses and New high quality buildings
a revitalised public realm that can make the Linen Quarter a competitive, enhance the Quarter
attractive and vibrant destination for the city.
A number of overarching themes inform the proposals:

- reinforcing the role of the Linen Quarter as a key office location; DON EGA LL SQU ARE SOU TH
HOWARD STR EET
- retaining and reinforcing its unique historical architecture;
- making the Linen Quarter a vibrant, attractive destination.
Often these goals are seen as mutually exclusive, but the nature of Streets allow easy pedestrian movement
the mercantile warehouses - with generous floor to ceiling heights
and numerous floors - as well as the number of undeveloped (or
Activity and dwell encouraged
underdeveloped) sites within the Quarter mean that there is scope to along east-west streets
introduce new, contemporary buildings alongside historical Linen buildings. FRA NKL IN STR EET
The way this is achieved is of critical importance. Guidelines that set out
how new buildings need to meet the street, their scale and massing and AME LIA STR EET
manner in which they relate to their neighbours is of vital importance.
BED FOR D STR EET

Poor quality architecture can lead to an erosion of the character and
qualities that define the area.
Understanding the importance and potential of historical buildings is

CLA REN CE STR EET
GRE AT VIC TOR IA STR EET

also imperative; particularly in the case of non-listed buildings that are
sometimes seen as an ‘easy win’ for developers.
A key part of creating a successful business quarter rests in making an New central space within the
heart of the Linen Quarter
area that people want to be in, with streets and spaces that encourage
ALFRED
pedestrian movement and, crucially, offer opportunities to relax, meet
and socialise.
S TREE T
BRUCE
S TREE
T ORME
A U AV
ENUE
A new crossing point links to the Transport Hub Historical buildings retained
CLERKENWELL, LONDON

5.1 CREATE A SENSE OF ARRIVAL 5.2 INTRODUCE NEW FOCAL SPACES
A clear objective for the Linen Quarter is in considering its position within The grid of streets within the Linen Quarter means that there are limited
the city. areas of open space.
Central to this is the forthcoming proposal for the Transport Hub, which Introducing positive focal spaces is an important component in delivering
will increase the amount of domestic use of public transport, but also an attractive, vibrant place; providing a destination where people can
will be the arrival point for new services from Dublin. This means that the congregate, where events can take place and the Quarter can look to as its
Linen Quarter is the city’s arrival mat, the first part of the city that visitors outdoor room.
will experience.
The junction of Linenhall street and Clarence Street might provide such a
The current arrangement is convoluted and unappealing: visitors are space. The grid of streets is broken at this point, with Linenhall Street West
faced with a bewildering array of street furniture and level changes and cutting across at a diagonal, and there is an interesting series of views
the pedestrian crossing is not aligned with the natural desire line across from this point within the Quarter: up Linenhall Street to the City Hall and
the road to Amelia Street. along Clarence Street to St Malachy’s Church.
The recommendation is that the Transport Hub continues to ‘arrive’ The potential relocation of the BBC block offers further scope to reshape
onto Great Victoria Street, but that this arrival point is rationalised and this space; any reconfigured building to the rear of the Listed Building
improved to provide a more direct, connected pedestrian experience. This creating a more sympathetic edge onto any new open space. This should
should involve the wider consideration of the public realm surrounding be a green space that acts as a counterpoint to the surrounding public
the forecourt of the Transport Hub entrance to resolve dramatic changes realm, and provides a place where people can relax in a calm, restorative
of level and provide a more direct, obvious route into the Linen Quarter. environment.
Similar proposals should be investigated at the top of Bedford Street at Blackstaff Square is a currently underused space on the edge of the
the point where it meets Donegall Place South, which should introduce a Quarter, but it is of immense importance due to its proximity to the
more natural desire line across the street. Transport Hub on the key arrival route into the city.
The square acts as more of a transition space, as a transitory route that

fails to connect with the surrounding buildings and uses. Proposals
seek to retain the flow through the space, and the connectivity between
the Quarter and the Transport Hub, but also offer the opportunity to
encourage the uses to spill out around the perimeter of the space.
HOWARD STREET, SHEFFIELD LEOPOLD SQUARE, SHEFFIELD

5.3 FACILITATE MOVEMENT 5.4 ENCOURAGE DWELL
The Linen Quarter has a clear grid of streets: wider north-south streets The success of the Linen Quarter depends on a balance of uses that
and narrower east-west streets. activate and animate the streets and spaces and make it an attractive and
vibrant place to be in.
This grid is an important element of character within the Quarter and should
be reinforced: encouraging and responding to the dominant movement The issue for many business districts is that they are single use and lack
north-south, particularly along Bedford Street between Queens University any vitality ‘out of hours’ once office workers have gone home. While
campus and the city; and encouraging greater east-west movement linking active at lunchtime and at rush hour at either end of the day, there is a
with the Transport Hub. real danger that places can become dead during the evening and at night.
A new series of street typologies are proposed that will help to emphasise The Linen Quarter has had some success in counterbalancing this; a
the hierarchy, designed to accommodate and encourage pedestrian number of new hotels, as well as some residential and bar uses have
movement along the main north-south streets, which will cut through the meant that there is some activity through the evening, and this should be
east-west streets to emphasise their role and importance. encouraged further.
The narrower east-west streets also offer an additional opportunity The east-west streets offer a significant opportunity to extend this through
to become, not simply routes through the Quarter, but spaces where a reinterpreted street network, with these streets becoming designed
buildings and uses can spill out onto the street. more as shared space streets that emphasise and encourage pedestrian
movement while retaining the potential for vehicles to navigate their way
The public realm should therefore reinforce this hierarchy, with a high through the street, for delivery vehicles to continue to service buildings
quality palette of materials for these streets, which should be adopted and for car parking, albeit at a reduced level.
and introduced on a coherent basis.
The palette will provide a clear framework that new development needs
to sit within, particularly where there is a ‘semi-private’ space set in the
public realm.
DONEGALL SQUARE NORTH, BELFAST COMMERCIAL COURT, BELFAST

5.5 RETAIN BUILT HERITAGE 5.6 GUIDE NEW BUILDINGS AND ASSOCIATED PUBLIC REALM
Belfast became, during the mid part of the nineteenth century, the centre There has been a considerable amount of new development within the
for the world’s Linen production. The city became known as Linenopolis, Linen Quarter over recent decades, which has had quite a profound and
and the Linen Quarter, as its name suggests, was at its heart. finite impact upon the character of the Quarter and its heritage building
stock.
The Mercantile buildings and associated buildings that remain from that
period represent a clear point of difference for the Linen Quarter, and in Historical buildings have been lost, and new buildings have failed -
addition, they are reminders of a significant industry that helped to shape sometimes spectacularly - to appreciate the historical context and the
the city. values set out within the area that has seen it designate a Conservation
Area.
As a result these buildings should be retained, with strong emphasis
placed on attracting new uses and on finding ways to revitalise them and New development needs to achieve a number of things: reflecting and
keep them in viable use, which represents the best way of curating the introducing buildings that respond to the strong character, the scale,
historical building stock. massing and materiality within the Quarter.
Retaining them has other benefits too: the scale of the warehouse Guidance can play a role in setting clear standards of the type of
buildings set a strong datum of six storeys and offer significant scope and development that is expected; that it is of an appropriate scale; that the
opportunity for adaptive reuse. ground floor creates a positive environment and that the materials are
sympathetic to the areas’ context.
Far too many of these buildings have already been lost, and robust
policies need to clearly set out the importance of this historic building This approach needs to be reinforced through a clear voice, both in the day-
stock to the city and the Linen Quarter. to day- discussions that take place concerning Development Management
advice and in the approach to independent design guidance.
A City Design Panel, comprising experts from a range of disciplines

including architects, urbanists and landscape architects can carry out
regular peer reviews on significant schemes taking place within the
Quarter.
The presence of a Panel will be of immeasurable benefit in terms of

engaging in debate and discussion about design, and just as importantly
will signify the importance within which the city holds design quality.
As such it will provide a clear mechanism that will help to raise design
standards.
The use of Planning Agreements by the Council to attract developer

contributions for the necessary improvements to the public realm will also
play a key role in supporting the delivery of wider planning outcomes to
help with the regeneration of the area.
BEDFORD STREET, BELFAST LINENHALL STREET, BELFAST

5.7 FINAL WORD 5.8 VISION
INDICATIVE VISION
Taken together, these proposed initiatives will help to revitalise the Linen
Quarter; appreciating its qualities and values while introducing new
interventions that can help to make it a more liveable, attractive and
inviting destination within Belfast.
Arriving from the Transport Hub there will be a seamless link into the
Quarter; into a revitalised Blackstaff Square that attracts activity and
allows surrounding uses to spill out, and on into the heart of the Linen
Quarter.
Streets will be reconfigured; east-west streets encouraging movement but

also enabling uses to customise the surrounding public realm, drawing
activity into the side streets and creating a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
A new space at Linenhall Street will encourage people out of their offices
at lunchtime to enjoy a sandwich and watch the world go by.
New development will blend the best of the old with the new; retaining
historical buildings while introducing new architecture that responds to
the strong grid, provides active frontages along the street and offers an
attractive series of new uses that can complement the Quarter and help
reinforce its role.
LINENHALL STREET, BELFAST

APPENDIX 01
LIST OF CONSULTEES
AND CONTRIBUTORS
APPENDIX 01: LIST OF CONSULTEES AND CONTRIBUTORS APPENDIX 01: LIST OF CONSULTEES AND CONTRIBUTORS
SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION/ ENGAGEMENT LIST OF RESPONDENTS
The Council undertook a consultation and engagement exercise on the A list of respondents to the consultation exercise is outlined below:
draft Public Realm Analysis and Vision for Linen Quarter as described in
the table below:
• BBC (Estate Management)
Consultation/ Engagement Format Summary of Consultation/ Engagement • Belfast Healthy Cities
• The document was made available on the Council’s webpage from 21st December 2015 until 11th March 2016 with an on-line • Belfast Urban Studio
questionnaire inviting responses;
• Bikefast
• Larger print versions of the document and questionnaire were placed on the webpage;
Web-based consultation • Bryson Charitable Group
• Standard and large print versions of the document and questionnaire were also made available for send-out as hard copies and in
• DoE (Planning Policy Division)
Word Format. Availability in Word made the document more accessible for use by screen reader software used by those who have
experienced sight loss. • DSD (Belfast Regeneration Directorate)
• Design and Crafts Council of Ireland
• A public exhibition illustrating the proposals was held in the foyer of the Ulster Hall from 1st February – 11th March 2016; • Donegall Pass Community Forum
• Council officers staffed the exhibition on 2nd and 18th February to answer queries from members of the public; • Freight Transport Association
Public Exhibition
• On 18th February Council officers also facilitated a presentation and question and answer session at the exhibition for members of • Guide Dogs
S75 groups who had requested it.
• Listening Devices Collective
• Markets Development Association

• 26th January: presentation and feedback with invited architectural and heritage groups (Belfast Urban Studio, Ministerial Advisory • Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture and the Built
Group on Architecture and the Built Environment, Royal Town Planning Institute); Environment (NI)
• 26th January: presentation and feedback with Land Agents Forum; • NIcycles
• 18th February: presentation and feedback with invited business groups (those who attended were Belfast City Centre Management, • Robinsons Bars
Presentations and Meetings Belfast Chamber of Commerce, Ormeau Business Park)
• RNIB Northern Ireland
• 18th February: presentation and focus group with S 75 groups;
• RSPB NI
• 18th February: public meeting;
• S McManus Developments Ltd
• 20th April: feedback on consultation responses to the Equalities Consultative Forum
• South Belfast Partnership
• The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC)

• All relevant statutory consultees were written to by the Director of Planning and Place and invited to respond ;
Consultation with Statutory Agencies • Translink
• 20th April: meeting with DRD, DSD and Translink regarding consultation responses and proposed amendments to finalised document
• TransportNI
• Press releases were issued in the first week of January 2016 publicising the document on-line and in last week of January 2016 to • Ulster Architectural Heritage Society
Press Releases and Social Media publicise the exhibition;
• 44 members of the public (7 provided their contact details)
• Social media was used throughout the consultation period

APPENDIX 02
MATERIALIT Y PALET TE
APPENDIX 02: MATERIAL PALETTE APPENDIX 02: MATERIAL PALETTE
PAVING MATERIALS PAVING MATERIALS
The Belfast City Centre Public Realm Masterplan, along with the Streets
Ahead Programme, has set a benchmark for the quality and materiality of
paving across the city centre.
The Linen Quarter is distinct and different, and the material palette for
the streets within it is driven by the objective of reinforcing the Quarter’s
uniqueness, as well as the aspiration to facilitate pedestrian flow MAY STRE ET
throughout. DONEGALL SQUARE SOUTH
HOWA RD STRE ET
Life cycle, longevity and availability of materials is of fundamental
BRU NSW ICK STR EET

importance in creating a sustainable development. All proposed surfaces
will be carefully selected to ensure that they are fit for purpose and
contribute to the wider character of the quarter.
This can be achieved by pursuing the following principles:
• a distinctive character;
• the right scale for material; FRA NKL IN STR EET
LIN EN HA LL ST RE ET
• a meaningful response to the urban context and heritage; AME LIA STR EET
BED FOR D STR EET

• an appropriate response to the architectural vernacular;
ALFRED
• elegance and timelessness;
S TREE T
• a user-friendly design in terms of safety, accessibility and amenity; ST RE ET CLA RE NC E STR EET
• a sense of craftsmanship and care; and
GR EA T VI CT OR IA
• technical durability of materials and construction.
The use of granite will lift the visual quality of the Quarter, improving the
pedestrian character and helping to slow traffic. Granite is the traditional
stone for road paving, due to it being hard-wearing and resilient to HAMMERSMITH GROVE, LONDON CAVERN QUARTER, LIVERPOOL
staining and therefore responds to the built heritage of the Quarter.
TYPICAL NORTH-SOUTH STREET TYPICAL EAST-WEST STREET
BRU
CE S
TREE
T ORME
A U AV
ENUE
KEY
Vehicular priority street
TYPICAL NORTH-SOUTH STREET - ARRANGEMENT TYPICAL NORTH-SOUTH STREET - UNIT SIZES
SKIRT TO BUILDINGS: FOOTWAY: ZONE FOR TREES, PARKING, GRANITE KERB WITH CHANNEL: CARRIAGEWAY:
GRANITE SETT PAVING GRANITE PAVING STREET FURNITURE: 125MM UPSTAND SETT PAVING STONE MASTIC
SETT PAVING ASPHALT
CARRIAGEWAY: STONE
MASTIC ASPHALT
SPILL OUT SPACE FOR

CAFE/RESTAURANT
SEPARATED FROM MAIN
CIRCULATION ROUTE
CHANNEL:
SETT PAVING
GRANITE KERB WITH

125MM UPSTAND
FOOTWAY:
GRANITE PAVING
ZONE FOR TREES, PARKING,

STREET FURNITURE:
SETT PAVING
VARIES 2.0m 7.3m 2.3m VARIES PRECEDENT IMAGES INDICATIVE ONLY
TYPICAL EAST-WEST STREET ARRANGEMENT TYPICAL EAST-WEST STREET - UNIT SIZES
UNOBSTRUCTED
ZONE FOR
PEDESTRIANS
MINIMUM
2.0m
ZONE FOR
FURNITURE/
TREES/BINS
UNOBSTRUCTED ZONE FOR HIGHWAY UNOBSTRUCTED

PEDESTRIAN ZONE FURNITURE/ PEDESTRIAN ZONE
TREES/BINS
HIGHWAY
5.5m
CARRIAGEWAY
PARKING
SPACES
UNOBSTRUCTED
ZONE FOR
PEDESTRIANS MINIMUM
2.0m
SKIRT TO BUILDINGS: GRANITE PAVING GRANITE KERB, 125MM UPSTAND

GRANITE SETTS
TYPICAL JUNCTION - ARRANGEMENT PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
GRANITE SLAB PAVING IN TRAFFICKED AREAS, AT INCREASED WIDTH ON

1 NORTH-SOUTH PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
MOSTLY UNCONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN

CROSSINGS
STONE PAVED JUNCTIONS TO SLOW

DOWN THROUGH TRAFFIC AND
ENCOURAGE PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS.
125MM KERB UPSTAND, FLUSH AT TACTILE

CROSSINGS 2 TACTILE BLISTER PAVING AND CONTRASTING COLOURS ON EAST-WEST
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
APPENDIX 03
BUILDING QUALIT Y STUDY
110 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION
APPENDIX 03: BUILDING QUALITY ENHANCE CONSERVATION AREA
The analysis of building quality has assessed three different yet

interconnected and complementary factors: LEFT: BEDFORD STREET
• The extent to which the buildings enhances the character of the FAR LEFT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
Conservation Area;
• The degree of animation at ground floor;

• The quality of materials and how they are used and employed. FAR RIGHT: FRANKLIN STREET
The character of the Conservation Area is derived from the buildings,
their form and scale. In certain parts of the Linen Quarter there is quite
a strong variation in terms of scale, but within a tight set of parameters.
Some new development has introduced a significant increase in height
that feels alien within the context of the Quarter. ANIMATION AT GROUND FLOOR
In terms of animation at ground floor this encompasses a broad range
of things all intimately linked to a successful place. The common factor
involves visual interest and stimulation: shop windows providing a strong
interrelationship between the street and the use; interesting displays
and also uses that spill out onto the pavement. Importantly this is not
confined simply to uses, it also involves texture and visual detail that may
be experienced by the passer by.
LEFT: CAFE, BEDFORD STREET
Areas where this is less successful are ‘closed environments’ that turn their
FAR LEFT: GALLERY, JAMES STREET SOUTH
back on the street, providing little visual interest or animation. It can also
include uses where the building is remote from the street, such as the flats RIGHT: CAR PARK, CLARENCE STREET
(far right).
FAR RIGHT: HOUSING, ADELAIDE STREET
Materials are also important. Set within a Conservation Area the
approach to materiality - both the materials themselves and the manner
in which they are used - need to recognise the cues that help to inform
good design.
Brick represents the principal material used for the historical buildings,
QUALITY OF MATERIALS
and the issue remains how to consolidate and reinforce the character
of the Quarter, while also introducing new development that acts as a
counterpoint. Where newer development has been less successful is
where it introduces a host of different materials, perhaps in an attempt to
marry in with surrounding buildings, such as the City Hall.
In different parts of the Quarter one or other of these elements takes LEFT: JAMES STREET SOUTH
precedence in determining the evaluation that has taken place.
FAR LEFT: CLARENCE STREET
RIGHT: LINENHALL STREET
FAR RIGHT: CLARENCE STREET
We’re committed to making sure
that our services and information
are available to all parts of the
community. If you require this
publication in another format or
language please contact us:
City Centre Development

Belfast City Council
3rd Floor, 9-21 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT2 8DJ
Tel: 028 9027 0303

Email: invest@belfastcity.gov.uk
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/linenquarter

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THE LINEN QUARTER

VISION AND GUIDANCE

LINEN QUARTER ©2016 INFOTERRA LTD. & BLUESKY

IMAGES SUPPLIED BY PLANIT

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 3.0 ANALYSIS 21 4.0 VISION 49

THE LINEN QUARTER 5

8 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 9

PLANIT - INTELLIGENT ENVIRONMENTS (PLANIT-IE) WAS

A list of all those individuals and organisations who commented on the

Planit-IE are makers of places with an acute understanding of the need

12 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 13

14 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 15

16 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 17

The southern boundary recognises the emerging proposals by Transport

of Ormeau Avenue and Cromac Street.

Linen Conservation Area

18 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 19

There is a significant lack of green space within the Quarter; nowhere

22 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 23

The nature of these buildings and the predominant use as a business

KEY POINTS RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET

24 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 25

The Linen Quarter consists of a predominantly gridiron network of streets

KEY POINTS RIGHT: JUNCTION OF LINENHALL STREET, CLARENCE

26 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 27

Accompanying the strong street grid is a clear ordering principle created

28 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 29

On the northern perimeter of the Quarter along Howard Street/Donegall

30 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 31

There is an extensive amount of car parking currently available within the

Motorcycle parking - 6 spaces FAR RIGHT: FRANKLIN STREET

32 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 33

Bus lane RIGHT: AMELIA STREET

34 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 35

The grid of streets means that there is a considerable amount of choice as

lk (400m) from Transport Hub

36 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 37

The number of openings, windows and doors, as well as the extent of

38 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 39

The Linen Quarter is comprised of a number of different building

40 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 41

The Linen Quarter is experiencing a significant amount of developer

In certain parts of the Quarter there are buildings where opportunities

could be taken to respond to the prevailing qualities and character of the

Listed buildings (positive contribution)

42 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 43

EE T DS FAR RIGHT: BEDFORD STREET

Active uses - cafés, restaurants and sandwich shops - need to be

KEY POINTS ORMEAU AVENUE

Some clusters of cafés, sandwich shops and restaurants;

44 PUBLIC REALM ANALYSIS & VISION THE LINEN QUARTER 45

The analysis can be summarised in the matrix opposite, which draws

Historical character Improvements to ground floor environment

BROAD STREETS ACTIVE STREET

BROAD STREETS TREES ACTIVE STREET

BUILDINGS STREET PATTERN AND GRAIN

FRONTAGES AND ENTRANCES

these themes through the Vision Objectives.

BUILDING QUALITY inform new development

• Enhance pedestrian experience;  

• Improve road crossing for pedestrians;  

• Reduce dominance of on-street parking;  

• Enhance legibility and wayfinding;   Entrances

• Introduce a green space;  