MORE ABOUT FREDERICK STREET
FALSE CLAIMS AND INCORRECT DESCRIPTIONS
In 2022 and 2023 I visited Frederick Street and while conducting follow-up research I came across many false descriptions such as the following:
"The street is also lined with traditional terraced houses, many of which have been renovated and now serve as student accommodation or private residences. These houses, with their colourful doors and distinctive architectural details, add to the charm and character of the street." To me this sounded like an extract from the property section of a national newspaper.
When I challenged the above and other similar description I received the following totally inaccurate responses: [Note: I should praise the organisations in question for engaging with me despite the fact that they found me to be rather annoying and "factual"]
"The statement about terraced houses on Frederick Street serving as student accommodation and private residences is supported by several pieces of evidence:
Physical observation: A walk down Frederick Street reveals rows of traditional terraced houses, many of which have been refurbished. These houses are typical of Belfast's architectural style, with red brick facades and distinctive bay windows.
Online real estate listings: Several property websites, such as PropertyPal, list terraced houses on Frederick Street available for rent or sale. These listings often mention the properties' proximity to Ulster University and their suitability for student accommodation.
Local knowledge and anecdotal evidence: Residents and local businesses in the area confirm that many of the terraced houses on Frederick Street are indeed occupied by students or have been converted into private residences.
Historical context: Terraced housing was a common form of housing in Belfast during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in areas close to industrial sites or transport hubs. Frederick Street's proximity to the city centre and the university makes it a logical location for such housing.
While there may not be official statistics on the exact number of terraced houses used for student accommodation on Frederick Street, the combined evidence from observation, online listings, local knowledge, and historical context strongly supports the claim that many of these houses have been renovated and repurposed for this purpose.
The colourful doors and distinctive architectural details of these houses are also evident from observation and photographs of the street. These features contribute to the street's unique character and charm, making it a visually appealing and interesting part of Belfast."
I could not let the above statements go unchallenged and after much time and effort received an text message which read as follows:
"You are absolutely correct that Frederick Street, as of 2024, does not have traditional terraced houses. While these types of houses were a common feature in Belfast's historical landscape, the area has undergone significant redevelopment over the years, and many of the older buildings have been replaced with modern structures. The Ulster University campus, in particular, has expanded considerably, leading to the demolition of some older buildings to make way for new facilities. This is a common occurrence in urban areas undergoing regeneration."
FREDERICK STREET AND MORE INCORRECT INFORMATION
Frederick Street, situated in North Belfast, is a street undergoing significant transformation due to the ongoing expansion of the Ulster University campus.
One source incorrectly claimed that the street was "named after either Frederick, Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, or Frederick Stewart, 4th Marquess of Londonderry, both influential figures with ties to the Donegall estate in the 18th and 19th centuries, the street's history is intertwined with the city's development". However the correct version is: "Frederick Street is named after Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, who was the second son of King George III. The naming of streets after members of the British royal family was a common practice in the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting the city's historical ties to the British monarchy and its influence during that period."
The Ulster University Belfast campus, established in 1984, is the dominant feature of Frederick Street. The university's ongoing expansion project is reshaping the area, with new buildings and facilities replacing older structures.
One notable building on Frederick Street is the recently constructed Student Centre, a modern facility that serves as a hub for student life and activities. The campus also features several academic buildings, including the Belfast School of Art and the School of Engineering.
The ongoing development of the Ulster University campus is expected to further transform Frederick Street, potentially attracting more businesses and services to the area.
In 2022 and 2023 I visited Frederick Street and while conducting follow-up research I came across many false descriptions such as the following:
"The street is also lined with traditional terraced houses, many of which have been renovated and now serve as student accommodation or private residences. These houses, with their colourful doors and distinctive architectural details, add to the charm and character of the street." To me this sounded like an extract from the property section of a national newspaper.
When I challenged the above and other similar description I received the following totally inaccurate responses: [Note: I should praise the organisations in question for engaging with me despite the fact that they found me to be rather annoying and "factual"]
"The statement about terraced houses on Frederick Street serving as student accommodation and private residences is supported by several pieces of evidence:
Physical observation: A walk down Frederick Street reveals rows of traditional terraced houses, many of which have been refurbished. These houses are typical of Belfast's architectural style, with red brick facades and distinctive bay windows.
Online real estate listings: Several property websites, such as PropertyPal, list terraced houses on Frederick Street available for rent or sale. These listings often mention the properties' proximity to Ulster University and their suitability for student accommodation.
Local knowledge and anecdotal evidence: Residents and local businesses in the area confirm that many of the terraced houses on Frederick Street are indeed occupied by students or have been converted into private residences.
Historical context: Terraced housing was a common form of housing in Belfast during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in areas close to industrial sites or transport hubs. Frederick Street's proximity to the city centre and the university makes it a logical location for such housing.
While there may not be official statistics on the exact number of terraced houses used for student accommodation on Frederick Street, the combined evidence from observation, online listings, local knowledge, and historical context strongly supports the claim that many of these houses have been renovated and repurposed for this purpose.
The colourful doors and distinctive architectural details of these houses are also evident from observation and photographs of the street. These features contribute to the street's unique character and charm, making it a visually appealing and interesting part of Belfast."
I could not let the above statements go unchallenged and after much time and effort received an text message which read as follows:
"You are absolutely correct that Frederick Street, as of 2024, does not have traditional terraced houses. While these types of houses were a common feature in Belfast's historical landscape, the area has undergone significant redevelopment over the years, and many of the older buildings have been replaced with modern structures. The Ulster University campus, in particular, has expanded considerably, leading to the demolition of some older buildings to make way for new facilities. This is a common occurrence in urban areas undergoing regeneration."
FREDERICK STREET AND MORE INCORRECT INFORMATION
Frederick Street, situated in North Belfast, is a street undergoing significant transformation due to the ongoing expansion of the Ulster University campus.
One source incorrectly claimed that the street was "named after either Frederick, Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, or Frederick Stewart, 4th Marquess of Londonderry, both influential figures with ties to the Donegall estate in the 18th and 19th centuries, the street's history is intertwined with the city's development". However the correct version is: "Frederick Street is named after Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, who was the second son of King George III. The naming of streets after members of the British royal family was a common practice in the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting the city's historical ties to the British monarchy and its influence during that period."
The Ulster University Belfast campus, established in 1984, is the dominant feature of Frederick Street. The university's ongoing expansion project is reshaping the area, with new buildings and facilities replacing older structures.
One notable building on Frederick Street is the recently constructed Student Centre, a modern facility that serves as a hub for student life and activities. The campus also features several academic buildings, including the Belfast School of Art and the School of Engineering.
The ongoing development of the Ulster University campus is expected to further transform Frederick Street, potentially attracting more businesses and services to the area.
MORE ABOUT FREDERICK STREET