BLACKSTAFF SQUARE AREA 2025

BLACKSTAFF SQUAREPHOTOGRAPHED MAY 2025 PUBLISHED IN JUNE 2025

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BLACKSTAFF SQUARE AREA OF BELFAST [EXPLORED IN MAY 2025]

Blackstaff Square in Belfast is currently undergoing a substantial and intentional transformation. This is a result of strategic urban regeneration efforts, primarily led by the Linen Quarter BID.

Changes in Blackstaff Square

The disappearance of a public clock in Blackstaff Square is likely a direct consequence of the large-scale construction of the Maldron Hotel on the former Belfast Metropolitan College site. This is a common outcome when major urban development projects reshape public spaces.

Fate of Public Art

While the specific fate of Anna Cheyne's "Regeneration" sculpture isn't explicitly detailed, its historical location in Blackstaff Square, combined with the extensive redevelopment plans for the area, makes its removal or relocation highly probable as part of these urban design interventions.

The understanding that the "Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker" (often referred to as "Working Women") was intended for the Amelia Street area is historically accurate. Its eventual placement near the Europa Hotel followed public controversy surrounding its initial proposed theme.

Persistent Social Challenges

Crucially, anti-social issues, particularly those related to rough sleeping, remain a persistent challenge in Belfast city centre, including the Blackstaff Square area. This aligns with recent experiences and broader statistical data indicating increasing numbers of households with homelessness status in Belfast.

While the Linen Quarter BID's efforts have demonstrably improved the public realm and reduced visible issues like litter, the underlying complexities of homelessness require ongoing, multifaceted social policy interventions beyond physical urban improvements. The area's evolution reflects a dynamic interplay between ambitious regeneration projects, the growth of the hospitality sector, and persistent social challenges, all contributing to a continuously shifting urban landscape.

This year, I decided to book a week-long stay at the Maldron Hotel on Brunswick Street, largely due to its convenient location near Grand Central Railway Station. I was aware that this area had a history of anti-social issues, so I had some initial concerns. Upon arrival, I spoke with the reception staff, who advised a degree of caution, and they were right to do so. While I did encounter some issues, they didn't significantly impact my stay.

Social Dynamics: Addressing Anti-Social Behaviour and Homelessness

My observations from May 2025 confirm that anti-social issues, particularly those involving rough sleepers, persist in the Blackstaff Square area. The Maldron Hotel staff corroborated this, aligning with the broader challenges facing Belfast city centre. Back in 2019, I'd noted the area as a "well-known site for on-the-street drinking" with "a lot of litter and rubbish," though I've seen some improvement in litter over the years.

Recent public discussions and official reports underline the ongoing nature of these social challenges. For example, a Reddit post from late 2024/early 2025 by an international student at Queen's University Belfast highlighted concerns about "the condition of homeless or people who are in city centre during the day harassing people from other countries," specifically mentioning "very serious mental health issues among the rough sleeping community." This points to a crucial distinction: "homeless" individuals don't own a home and can't afford private rented accommodation (often having state-provided accommodation), while "rough sleepers" may have been excluded from state-provided accommodation due to anti-social behaviour or face barriers accessing support. My interactions with the Maldron Hotel staff, noting issues mainly related to rough sleepers, directly reflect this complex reality. Additionally, the Maldron Hotel's proximity to a homeless services centre has occasionally led to guests being asked for money.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) conducts annual Street Needs Audits to understand street homelessness and rough sleeping. A six-week audit in Belfast in February 2023 aimed to assess immediate needs, help individuals return to accommodation, identify service barriers, and inform homelessness service reconfigurations. This proactive engagement shows an acknowledgement of these ongoing issues.

Official NIHE figures further highlight the scale of the challenge. A March 2025 report on homelessness in Northern Ireland indicates that while overall homeless presentations slightly decreased from 18,500 households in 2016-17 to approximately 17,000 in 2023-24, the social housing waiting list has reached its highest-ever level. As of December 2024, there were 48,325 households on this list, with 30,982 having homelessness status. Belfast City Council records the highest number of households with homelessness status, reaching 9,661 in December 2024 – more than double the figure from March 2015. Demand for temporary accommodation has also surged post-COVID-19, with NIHE spending £38.6 million on it in 2023-24. These statistics show that despite efforts, homelessness and rough sleeping remain significant and growing social challenges across Belfast.

Transforming Blackstaff Square

In response to the area's historical association with "disruptive behaviour," the Linen Quarter BID has actively pursued initiatives to transform Blackstaff Square. Their vision, launched in March 2023, aims to convert the area from a "hotspot for disruptive behaviour" into a vibrant new plaza.

Since 2020, the LQ BID has implemented various public realm improvements, including the installation of FLAXX (an outdoor social hub), a Pétanque court, new seating, planters, and enhanced lighting. These changes specifically aim to mitigate anti-social behaviour and increase social activation. Chris McCracken, managing director of Linen Quarter BID, explicitly stated that Blackstaff Square "has long been associated with anti-social behaviour and until recently, lacked the social activation evident in other shared public spaces across Belfast City Centre." The proposals are designed to foster a "24/7 busy atmosphere," which inherently helps reduce opportunities for anti-social activities by increasing legitimate public presence and engagement. My observation of improved litter in the area aligns with these ongoing public realm improvements, as enhanced public spaces are typically better maintained and less prone to accumulating rubbish.

AMELIA STREET [BELFAST MAY 2025]

Amelia Street, nestled within Belfast's vibrant Linen Quarter, is a prime example of urban regeneration. This dynamic area is celebrated for its diverse array of bars, restaurants, attractions, and three major music venues. The Linen Quarter itself holds conservation area status, distinguished by its beautiful red 'Belfast' brick warehouses and other heritage buildings that stand as a testament to its historical significance as the epicentre of Ireland's once-thriving linen industry.

Amelia Hall: A New Standard in Hospitality

A significant and recent addition to Amelia Street is Amelia Hall, an expansive new beer hall, pizzeria, and terrace. Developed by the Ringland Group, this venue now occupies the ground floor of The Flint Hotel. It has ingeniously transformed four former retail units into a sophisticated yet casual bar and restaurant space.

Designed by Belfast-based Architecture & Design Office (ADO), Amelia Hall has set a new benchmark for design within the city. Its interiors seamlessly blend retro elements with modern statement pieces, bespoke furniture, and a prominent wooden bar. Although linked to The Flint Hotel, Amelia Hall operates as a separately branded, public-facing venue, providing the hotel with its inaugural food and beverage offering and significantly enhancing its street presence. This development has also made a substantial contribution to the local economy, generating over £1 million worth of jobs within the hospitality sector.

From Historical Associations to Future Visions

Historically, Amelia Street was associated with a former red-light district. This past influenced a public sculpture commission in the late 1980s, which ultimately led to the creation of the "Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker".

Looking ahead, the ongoing re-imagination of Blackstaff Square includes exciting proposals for the pedestrianisation and high-quality resurfacing of Amelia Street. These plans aim to seamlessly integrate the street surface into the surrounding square, reduce traffic, and further enhance the area as a vibrant social space for residents and visitors alike.

A Model of Urban Regeneration

The transformation of Amelia Street powerfully illustrates a broader urban trend: the strategic repurposing of historic spaces. This street, with its deep historical connections to the linen industry and its past as a red-light district, is now attracting substantial investment in its hospitality sector, epitomised by the development of Amelia Hall. This isn't merely new construction; it's a deliberate transformation of existing historic buildings and former retail units.

The Linen Quarter BID's plans for pedestrianisation further indicate a strategic shift towards creating a pedestrian-friendly, leisure-focused environment. This approach demonstrates a conscious effort to leverage the area's rich heritage, as evidenced by its conservation area status, while adapting it for contemporary economic uses, particularly in the burgeoning tourism and nightlife sectors. The development on Amelia Street reflects a wider pattern of urban revitalisation within Belfast's Linen Quarter, where historic structures are being re-envisioned and adapted to support the growing hospitality and tourism industries. This strategy is designed to enhance the area's overall appeal, attract a broader range of visitors, and stimulate economic activity, effectively moving beyond its more challenging historical associations.

BRUNSWICK STREET [BELFAST 2025]

Brunswick Street in Belfast is a key location within the city centre, offering a mix of accommodation and convenient access to major attractions. It's home to both The Travelodge Hotel and The Maldron Hotel, making it a prime spot for visitors.

Its central position provides easy access to various public transport services, including Belfast's Great Victoria Street Railway Station. From Brunswick Street, you're just minutes away from well-known tourist destinations like the Grand Opera House and Great Victoria Square.

Historically, Brunswick Street has played a significant role in Belfast's development. Brunswick House, located on the street, was built in 1963 as an extension to the Presbyterian War Memorial Hostel. Before that, it served as a linen warehouse, highlighting the street's deep connection to the Linen Quarter's industrial heritage. This evolution from industrial use to modern hospitality demonstrates the street's adaptability and enduring importance.

PUBLIC ART HAS DISAPPEARED

It has been observed that a public clock in Blackstaff Square has disappeared, which is understood to be due to the construction of the Maldron Hotel. The Maldron Hotel Belfast City is indeed on the site of the former Belfast Metropolitan College building, with its entrance directly facing Blackstaff Square. This major redevelopment, which also includes student accommodation, would certainly involve significant alterations to the immediate public realm. While there is no explicit documentation detailing the removal or relocation of a specific public clock within Blackstaff Square, the scale and nature of the Maldron Hotel's construction make it highly plausible that any existing street furniture or public amenities within the development footprint would have been affected. Photographs taken over a decade ago confirm the clock's presence, and current photographs clearly show its removal.

The absence of explicit documentation regarding a public clock in Blackstaff Square suggests that if such a clock existed, it was likely a smaller, less prominent feature whose removal was a direct consequence of the extensive construction work for the Maldron Hotel and the broader Blackstaff Square redevelopment.

"Regeneration" Sculpture by Anna Cheyne

Observations regarding Anna Cheyne's "Regeneration" sculpture present a notable shift. In 2019, the sculpture was still present but often obscured by trees and bushes and at times surrounded by litter. By May 2025, the sculpture had disappeared, and the fenced-off area where it was located was effectively gone. There is no doubting this, as current photographs clearly show its removal.

Historical records confirm that "Regeneration," a bronze and fibreglass sculpture by Anna Cheyne (1926-2002), was indeed in Blackstaff Square. Created in 1993, it was intended to symbolise the regeneration of Belfast, depicting a butterfly and caterpillar. Earlier accounts, dating around 2008-2019, corroborate initial observations that the sculpture was "a bit hidden by bushes and not too well known," and and was sometimes "surrounded by litter and empty beer bottles."

While the provided information confirms the sculpture's historical presence and its occasional obscurity, it does not explicitly state its current status or confirm its removal or relocation as of May 2025. However, the Linen Quarter BID's comprehensive vision for the "re-imagination" of Blackstaff Square, which aims to transform the area from a "semi-derelict space" into an "iconic new plaza" and involves significant public realm improvements since 2020, provides a strong contextual explanation for the sculpture's disappearance. Major urban redevelopment projects of this scale often involve the temporary removal, relocation, or re-integration of public art pieces to accommodate new infrastructure or design elements. The removal of the fenced-off area further aligns with the BID's efforts to create a more open and integrated public space. The lack of explicit mention of the sculpture's fate in the provided material, despite the detailed plans for the square's transformation, suggests that its removal or relocation is likely a consequence of these ongoing, large-scale urban design interventions.

"Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker" (Often Referred to as "Working Women")

The understanding that the "Working Women" sculpture, near the Europa Hotel, was originally intended for Blackstaff Square or its vicinity is accurate. This sculpture, officially titled "Monument to the Unknown Woman Worker" by Louise Walsh, was erected in 1992 on Great Victoria Street, adjacent to the Europa Hotel.

The original commission for this artwork in the late 1980s was indeed for a piece to be located near the Crown Bar, reflecting Amelia Street's historical association as a red-light district. The initial proposal envisioned "two colourful life-size 'cartoon' female figures." However, the artist, Louise Walsh, found this portrayal offensive and argued against it, instead highlighting the diverse social history of the area, which included women working in linen factories, on the railways, and in various low-paid or unpaid capacities. Due to this controversy, the Belfast Development Office and Belfast City Council opposed the selected design, and the project was initially dropped in 1989. Subsequently, a private developer recommissioned the work, leading to its eventual erection in 1992 on Great Victoria Street, outside the train station. This historical context confirms the recollection of the sculpture's intended proximity to Amelia Street and Blackstaff Square, explaining why it ultimately found its home near the Europa Hotel.

KEY ESTABLISHMENTS

Actons Restaurant: A Resilient Culinary Presence

Observations have been made that Actons Restaurant "looks in poor condition," leading to questions about its operational status. However, Actons Restaurant is confirmed to be fully operational and actively accepting bookings. Its official website provides clear opening hours:

Closed: Mondays and Sundays
Lunch: 12 pm to 2:30 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
Dinner: From 5 pm (Tuesday - Friday)
Open all day: 12 pm to 9 pm (Saturdays)
Situated in the heart of Belfast city centre's historic Linen Quarter, Actons is described as a "modern, vibrant and relaxed restaurant." It offers a diverse menu designed to cater to various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The restaurant's location is highly convenient, being in close proximity to major cultural venues such as the Grand Opera House and the Ulster Hall, as well as numerous hotels in Belfast.

While visual assessments of the restaurant's condition are noted, the factual evidence confirms its continued operation and active participation in the local hospitality scene. This highlights that external appearances, which can sometimes be subjective or temporary (perhaps due to dynamic urban change or construction in the area), do not always accurately reflect a business's operational viability.

The Travelodge Hotel: A Strategic City Centre Stay

The Travelodge Belfast is located at 15 Brunswick Street, Belfast, BT2 7GE, establishing its position firmly within the city centre. The hotel features 90 guest rooms, offering standard, double, and queen room types.

Amenities provided include:

Air conditioning with climate control
Coffee and tea makers
Televisions with cable channels
Complimentary WiFi for a limited duration (charges applicable after 30 minutes)
Hairdryers (available upon request)
The Travelodge Belfast also includes an on-site restaurant. Its central location means it is surrounded by a wide array of other dining establishments, bars, and nightclubs. The hotel is conveniently within walking distance of major city attractions, such as:

The Grand Opera House (a three-minute walk)
St. Anne's Cathedral (a twelve-minute walk)
The Ulster Museum
The SSE Arena
The Belfast Botanic Gardens
Titanic Belfast
Guest reviews frequently commend its excellent location (rated 9.0 out of 10), good service (8.5 out of 10), and cleanliness (8.0 out of 10). However, some guests have noted issues with noise, suggesting that rooms on higher floors might offer a quieter experience, and have pointed out the limited duration of free WiFi. Recommendations from previous guests include bringing personal hairdryers and toiletries. Parking facilities are also available at the hotel.

The Maldron Hotel: A New Landmark in Blackstaff Square

A recent stay at the Maldron Hotel in May 2025 provided direct observations regarding the disappearance of a public clock and the persistence of anti-social issues in the area.

The Maldron Hotel Belfast City is a newly constructed, four-star establishment situated at 20 Brunswick Street, Belfast, BT2 7GE. It is recognised as one of Belfast's most conveniently located hotels, being only minutes away from Great Victoria Railway Station and other key attractions.

Significantly, the hotel occupies the site of the former Belfast Metropolitan College building and is an integral part of a larger mixed-use development that also incorporates student accommodation for Queen's University Belfast. The hotel's main entrance faces Blackstaff Square.

The hotel offers 237 well-appointed rooms, including Deluxe, Executive King, and Accessible room styles. All rooms feature modern design, luxurious bedding, flat-screen televisions, and private bathrooms. The Maldron provides a unique "Vitality Breakfast" and offers multiple on-site dining options, a fitness centre, and five modern conference and meeting rooms.

While generally rated "Very good" (8.6 out of 10) by guests, some reviews have highlighted noise concerns, including the proximity of a homeless services centre, which occasionally led to encounters with individuals requesting money. This observation directly corroborates information provided by hotel staff regarding ongoing anti-social issues related to rough sleepers. Guest recommendations for a more comfortable stay include requesting rooms on higher floors and considering the use of earplugs.

The explicit connection between the Maldron Hotel's construction and the disappearance of a public clock is a pertinent observation. The hotel was built on the site of the former Belfast Metropolitan College building, with its entrance directly facing Blackstaff Square. Large-scale urban development projects of this nature frequently necessitate the removal or relocation of existing street furniture and public amenities within their construction footprint or immediate vicinity.

Although the provided information does not explicitly state that "the public clock in Blackstaff Square was removed for Maldron construction," the direct correlation between the hotel's location and the observation strongly suggests a causal link. The development of a major hotel on a previously occupied site inherently alters the public realm, which often includes the removal of existing structures within the development area. This demonstrates how significant urban development projects can lead to the alteration or loss of familiar local landmarks.

Fibber Magee: Enduring Irish Charm and Entertainment

Fibber Magee is a cherished and authentic Irish pub located at 38-42 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7BA. It forms part of a larger entertainment complex known as Robinsons Bars, which has a history dating back to 1895 and encompasses five distinct venues spread across three floors, including the Saloon, Pool Loft, BT1 karaoke bar, and Bistro.

Fibber Magee is widely described as "the genuine article; a good old spit and sawdust Irish pub," celebrated for its inviting atmosphere, traditional décor, and a collection of local historical artefacts. The pub offers a menu of hearty classic Irish dishes, such as stews and fish and chips, complemented by an extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, craft beers, and the iconic Guinness.

A defining feature of Fibber Magee is its nightly traditional folk music sessions, making it an ideal destination for experiencing authentic Irish entertainment and culture. Its convenient location near several city attractions makes it a perfect spot for visitors to relax and unwind. The pub is easily accessible by car, public transport (being close to the Belfast Europa Bus Centre), or taxi. Fibber Magee operates daily, with extended opening hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

BELFAST METROPOLITAN COLLEGE BUILDING

The former Belfast Metropolitan College building in Blackstaff Square was a significant educational institution with a rich history, though it's important to clarify its specific location and evolution within the broader "Belfast Met" entity.

A Brief History of Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) and its Predecessors:

Belfast Metropolitan College, often simply referred to as "Belfast Met," is Northern Ireland's largest further and higher education institution. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century, specifically to the Belfast Municipal Technical Institute, which was established in 1906.

The Municipal Technical Institute was originally housed in a grand building on College Square East, constructed between 1902 and 1906. This iconic building was colloquially known as "The Black Man Tech" – a nickname that predates the statue of Dr. Henry Cooke currently outside the building and refers to an earlier dark bronze statue on the site. This College Square East campus served as a central hub for technical education, training apprentices for Belfast's thriving industries, including shipbuilding.

Over the years, various specialist colleges were established across Belfast, such as Stanhope Street, Rupert Stanley, and the College of Business Studies in Brunswick Street. In the early 1990s, these colleges amalgamated to form the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education. This entity, in turn, merged with Castlereagh College in 2007 to create the current Belfast Metropolitan College.

The Blackstaff Square Connection:

The specific building in Blackstaff Square that has now been redeveloped into the Maldron Hotel was one of the sites occupied by Belfast Met (or its predecessors) before the college consolidated its operations into newer, purpose-built campuses. While the College Square East building was the original and most famous "home" of technical education in Belfast, the institution grew and spread its presence across the city.

The sale of city centre campuses like Brunswick Street and College Square East occurred when Belfast Met's new, state-of-the-art Titanic Quarter campus opened in 2011. This new campus, a significant investment in modern educational facilities, allowed for the consolidation and modernisation of the college's offerings. The College Square East building, being a listed building, retained its exterior appearance and was converted into student accommodation in 2016. The Blackstaff Square site, however, was clearly earmarked for a different form of redevelopment.

Architectural Style and Purpose:

Without specific historical details on the former Belfast Met building in Blackstaff Square, it's challenging to describe its precise architectural style. However, given the nature of educational institutions of that era and the typical urban architecture of Belfast, it was likely a functional building, possibly with some classical or utilitarian features, designed to accommodate classrooms, workshops, and administrative offices. Its purpose was to provide vocational and academic education to the city's residents.

In essence, the Belfast Metropolitan College building in Blackstaff Square was part of a dispersed network of campuses that served the educational needs of Belfast. Its removal for the Maldron Hotel signifies a shift in the city's urban landscape and the ongoing evolution of its educational infrastructure, with Belfast Met now primarily operating from its newer, larger campuses like Titanic Quarter.