1935 – Sinclair’s Department Store, Royal Avenue, Belfast

A fine building, developed as a department store in the 1930s and opposite the Bank of Ireland, Sinclair’s building is now divided into different premises but its exterior remains to be appreciated. Sinclair’s was once one of Belfast’s most prestigious department stores. On an end of street site, the building has three façades, two of which are radically different from the strong art deco main front. The main front has a strong vertical emphasis surmounted by the large simple clock and with nice decorative panels between windows. The side façades, which date from 1925, have a more stripped classical feel but in more ‘moderne’ materials. The building is well maintained and in good condition.

During the troubles, the main shopping area around Royal Avenue was pedestrianised with security gates to prevent car-bombs. Sinclair’s was attacked on 12 July 1971 with an explosive device. As a consequence of the troubles, trade was much reduced, and the store closed in 1972. Grade B+ Listed.