1923 – Design for Parliament & Government Buildings, Stormont, Belfast, Co. Antrim

After the partition of Ireland with the Government of Ireland Act, 1920, plans for a large domed parliament building with two subsidiary government buildings, housing all three branches of government – legislative, executive and judicial – were drawn up. The government buildings were to designs by Ralph Knott. The plans, which included a large dome over the central building, were scrapped following the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Instead, a smaller dome-less building designed by Sir Arnold Thornely in the Greek classical style and fronted in Portland stone, was erected on the site.

“The Parliament Building situated at Stormont, Belfast, which is to be formally opened next week by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, has been built to the designs of Mr. Arnold Thornely, F.R.I.B.A., of Liverpool, who also supervised the work for H.M. Office of Works, Westminster. It was the intention originally to divide the work into three separate blocks, the central building being the Parliament House with a tower and dome, while on a lower terrace two office blocks were to be built to accommodate civil servants. Excavation work was completed and the foundations laid before the demon “‘ cost ”’ came on the scene, with the result that the two office blocks, tower and dome had to be abandoned. Mr. Thornely thereupon prepared a new design for a four-story building to suit the foundations already laid and providing accommodation for both parliamentary and office requirements.”
The Builder, November 11 1932.