Restoring a Piece of Belfast’s Civic Heritage

Restoring a Piece of Belfast’s Civic Heritage: Linen Quarter BID Brings Ulster Hall’s Ornate Lamp Posts Back to life!

Two of Belfast’s most unusual pieces of street furniture - a pair of highly decorative Edwardian-style lamp posts - are being restored thanks to an investment by Linen Quarter BID (LQ BID) as part of its ongoing programme to celebrate and protect the district’s-built heritage.

The distinctive lamps, which stand outside the historic Ulster Hall, have an intriguing civic past. For much of the twentieth century, ornate lamp posts like these were installed outside the official residences of Belfast’s Lord Mayors, whether that was on the Shankill Road, Andersonstown or Malone Park. The tradition gradually fell out of favour as the role of Lord Mayor rotated annually and practicalities made it difficult to move such large pieces. By the late 1990s, the surviving posts were relocated to civic locations, with this pair finding a permanent home outside the Ulster Hall.

Last night, guests gathered at the Ulster Hall to celebrate the unveiling of the restored lampposts. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, ceremonially illuminated the lights alongside an actor portraying Belfast’s first Lord Mayor, Sir Daniel Dixon, who held the post an extraordinary seven times between 1892 and 1906 - a record in the city’s history.

Reflecting on the unveiling, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said:

"It was fantastic to be part of yesterday’s celebration at the Ulster Hall. These lamp posts have such a rich history, from their time outside the Lord Mayor’s residences to their permanent home here and seeing them restored really brings that story to life."

Nights like this remind us how important it is to preserve our history and make it accessible, so everyone can enjoy and connect with Belfast’s story.

Each column is rich in symbolism. Seahorses, long associated with Belfast, wrap around the base, while four modelled putti (cherubic male figures) above celebrate the city’s trades: one with a book for arts and learning, one with mason’s tools for construction, one holding a ship for shipbuilding, and one - facing Ulster Hall – with a spinning wheel to represent Linen. The lanterns carry the historic Belfast Corporation crest, and there is evidence that parts of the posts were once gilded to catch the light.

However, corrosion, flaking paint, and outdated electrics meant the lamps had fallen into disrepair. LQ BID commissioned specialist contractors to carry out a full restoration. The works included careful rust removal, complete repainting in traditional black with gilded highlights, renewal of the lantern tops, and full rewiring with new LED fittings to ensure the lights were both beautiful and energy efficient.

By preserving these ornate lamp posts, LQ BID is not only ensuring that a unique piece of Belfast’s civic story continues to illuminate the city for decades to come, but is also laying the groundwork for a larger 2026 project, in partnership with Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities, when the façade of the Ulster Hall will be repainted and enhanced with new LED lighting.

Chris McCracken, Managing Director of Linen Quarter BID, said:

“This project is part of our wider mission to invest in placemaking and heritage-led regeneration, protecting and celebrating the character of the Linen Quarter while improving public spaces."

We have invested in a range of public realm enhancements in recent years, including murals, greening projects, and the recent restoration of the Edwardian-era tram section pillar on the corner of Linenhall Street and Ormeau Avenue.

"It’s great to see the city’s heritage preserved in a way that everyone can enjoy. By investing in projects like this, we hope to create a district that honours its past while looking confidently to the future, where heritage and modern life can coexist.”

Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall said:

“Ulster Hall is one of Belfast’s most cherished cultural venues and a cornerstone of our city’s visitor experience. Restoring these historic lamp posts does more than brighten a doorway but also enhances the welcome for audiences, artists, and international delegates alike, and strengthens the sense of place on Bedford Street as part of the central spine of Belfast City Centre. We’re proud to work with partners like Linen Quarter BID who invest in projects that celebrate our heritage while improving the public realm."

This latest intervention is a great example of how thoughtful stewardship can honour the past and elevate the city for everyone.

For more information on restoration projects around the Linen Quarter, visit linenquarter.org.