Sinclair’s Building, Royal Avenue

This site was the home of Sinclair’s department store and was built in two phases.

Number 89-93 was constructed in 1926 using faience (glazed ceramic ware) in the art deco style building.[1] Designed by James Scott, it features giant ionic order pilasters with horizontal fenestration and central laurel drops in a classical style.[2] It has an Art Nouveau feel to it and is less geometric than the façade next door.

Numbers 95-101 was constructed nine years later (1935) and was also designed by Scott. It features an Art Deco geometric faience façade with a clock face pediment and with letters Ss set in recesses between fluted columns.

This building is interesting as it shows two phases of Art Deco development with neo-classical influences. It is also has clean lines, minimal ornamentation and understated decoration.

The building was awarded Grade B+ listed status on 10 February 1989.  In Northern Ireland buildings are listed Grade A, Grade B+, Grade B1 and B2. Grade A is the highest, and is equivalent to Grade I listing in England and Wales. Grade B+ is equivalent to Grade II* listed status, while Grade B1 and B2 correspond with Grade II listed status.[3]

Do you want to learn more about the history of Belfast? We can pass this site on my Buildings & Bricks Tour!


[1] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), p.284.

[2] Marcus Patton, Central Belfast, An Historical Gazetteer (Belfast: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society), p.284.

[3] http://www.modernistbritain.co.uk/post/building/Sinclairs+Department+Store/ Accessed 25.6.22.