ABOUT THE COLLECTION: CATHEDRAL QUARTER

The Cathedral Quarter is one of the most successful areas of economic regeneration in Belfast.

Between 1969 and 1998, the area was a part of St. Anne’s ward. Troubles-related incidents in St Anne’s ward were the highest recorded for any Belfast ward. St. Anne’s ward was ranked 4 out of 566 on the Multiple Deprivation measure.

This became a significant factor in Laganside Corporation’s efforts to raise European monies for area regeneration to become an “historical and cultural quarter within the centre of Belfast” and a “unique example of urban conservation and regeneration”.

Subjects discussed in this Special Collection include the regeneration of historical buildings, architectural heritage preservation, streetscape design, complexity of transforming the landscape within parameters of existing nineteenth century buildings, importance of the cultural offering, the ‘fit’ with the Peace Process and with business and community development groups.

There are five documentaries in the Exposition section which are intended as explanatory, interpretative guides and a selection of archive materials in this Special Collection.

Our thanks to all the individuals who took part and without whom this project would not have been possible – especially to:

Barrie Todd, Nick Price, Rita Harkin, Martin Lynch, Sean Kelly, Kyle Alexander, Will Chamberlain, Heather Floyd, Alan Clarke, Former Dean of St. Anne’s Rev. John Mann, Willie Jack, Brendan Mackin, St. Anne’s Cathedral archives.