THIS IS AN ATTRACTIVE BUILDING
History:
The Ormeau Bakery, established in 1875 by Robert Wilson, flourished under three generations of the Wilson family. A significant local employer and beloved institution, the bakery was renowned for its traditional bread and confectionery, with its Ormo bread becoming a household name throughout Ireland. Robert Wilson revolutionised bread production and distribution, establishing the Ormeau Bakery as the largest independent bakery in Ireland at one time.
The building's exterior, with its distinctive red brick facade and iconic clock tower, remained largely unchanged over the years. The clock tower served as a symbol of the bakery's presence in the community and a reminder of the area's industrial heritage.
In 2002, the bakery celebrated its 125th anniversary but was subsequently acquired by Mother's Pride, leading to the closure of the site.
Redevelopment:
The bakery building was then redeveloped into luxury apartments. The project, designed by renowned garden designer and television personality Diarmuid Gavin, aimed to blend modern luxury with the building's historic charm.
The redevelopment preserved the original red brick exterior and clock tower, maintaining the building's character and connection to its heritage. The interior was transformed into spacious apartments with modern amenities, incorporating unique features like roof gardens and decorative elements inspired by the bakery's industrial past.
Significance:
The Ormeau Bakery building stands as a significant landmark on the Ormeau Road, representing a piece of Belfast's industrial and social history. Its transformation into apartments has preserved its heritage while adapting it to a new purpose, ensuring its continued role in the community.
Architectural Features:
Several towers can be seen in the area, but one featured in some photographs is a unique two-toned chimney stack at the former bakery site. It consists of decorated concrete rings or panels alternating with rings of red brick. This chimney, distinct from a taller, all-brick chimney nearby, showcases the bakery's industrial past and the craftsmanship of the era.
The decorative concrete rings add an artistic touch to the utilitarian structure, reflecting the attention to detail often found in industrial buildings of that time. While the bakery no longer operates, the preservation of these chimneys and other historic elements serves as a reminder of Belfast's industrial heritage and the important role the Ormeau Bakery played in the local community. The building's repurposing ensures these features continue to be appreciated and enjoyed.
The Ormeau Bakery, established in 1875 by Robert Wilson, flourished under three generations of the Wilson family. A significant local employer and beloved institution, the bakery was renowned for its traditional bread and confectionery, with its Ormo bread becoming a household name throughout Ireland. Robert Wilson revolutionised bread production and distribution, establishing the Ormeau Bakery as the largest independent bakery in Ireland at one time.
The building's exterior, with its distinctive red brick facade and iconic clock tower, remained largely unchanged over the years. The clock tower served as a symbol of the bakery's presence in the community and a reminder of the area's industrial heritage.
In 2002, the bakery celebrated its 125th anniversary but was subsequently acquired by Mother's Pride, leading to the closure of the site.
Redevelopment:
The bakery building was then redeveloped into luxury apartments. The project, designed by renowned garden designer and television personality Diarmuid Gavin, aimed to blend modern luxury with the building's historic charm.
The redevelopment preserved the original red brick exterior and clock tower, maintaining the building's character and connection to its heritage. The interior was transformed into spacious apartments with modern amenities, incorporating unique features like roof gardens and decorative elements inspired by the bakery's industrial past.
Significance:
The Ormeau Bakery building stands as a significant landmark on the Ormeau Road, representing a piece of Belfast's industrial and social history. Its transformation into apartments has preserved its heritage while adapting it to a new purpose, ensuring its continued role in the community.
Architectural Features:
Several towers can be seen in the area, but one featured in some photographs is a unique two-toned chimney stack at the former bakery site. It consists of decorated concrete rings or panels alternating with rings of red brick. This chimney, distinct from a taller, all-brick chimney nearby, showcases the bakery's industrial past and the craftsmanship of the era.
The decorative concrete rings add an artistic touch to the utilitarian structure, reflecting the attention to detail often found in industrial buildings of that time. While the bakery no longer operates, the preservation of these chimneys and other historic elements serves as a reminder of Belfast's industrial heritage and the important role the Ormeau Bakery played in the local community. The building's repurposing ensures these features continue to be appreciated and enjoyed.
THIS IS AN ATTRACTIVE BUILDING