TEMPLEMORE AVENUE SCHOOL, BELFAST

Templemore Avenue, once an important civic spine within East Belfast, is one of the oldest areas in the city; it is ranked the fifth most deprived ward in Northern Ireland. Templemore Avenue School was built in 1924. It is listed Grade B1. Since its closure it has fallen into disrepair and has suffered from significant vandalism. The building is included on the Built Heritage at Risk Northern Ireland (BHARNI) register.

Within a hundred metres of the former school is an inter-community security wall that separates the overwhelmingly Protestant East Belfast from the small Catholic enclave of the Short Strand. This area has seen some of the most dangerous and violent disturbances during the Northern Ireland conflict and is still considered a flash point.

Belfast continues to live through challenging times and the renovation of the building will lead to both communities having a mutual space for local organisations and start-up businesses. It is hoped that this will build bridges between the communities as well as lead to widespread regeneration in this economically deprived area. It is an innovative and important initiative that enjoys significant local support.

We have worked alongside the East Belfast Community Development Agency (EBCDA) to champion this heritage-led regeneration project.