In a city spending millions on a new 'Titanic Quarter', on restoring the 'Nomadic' and trying to cash in on the interest of tourists, it is inconceivable that the long fight by the Palmerston Residents Association is over, for without warning the house of Gustav Wolff, founder of Harland & Wolff, builders of the 'Titanic' was demolished by its owner, in the early hours of Monday Morning.

This historic 19th Century cottage situated in Station Road, Sydenham, was granted a temporary 'Building Preservation Notice' by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, in July 2008, protecting them for 6 months. This Notice expired on Friday the 16th January and on Monday the 19th January, the cottage was raised to the ground.

In refusing to grant the homes further protection, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency indicated they were not of 'special architectural or historic interest', despite their historical association to the owner of one of Northern Ireland main industries, the world famous Harland & Wolff Shipyard and its associated links to 'Titanic'. 

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency indicated that they provided the owners of the property advanced notice that it would not now be protected and just over two days later, these fine examples of Belfast History, were in rubble. The Palmerston Residents Association now seek the developer to include a plaque on the site, to Gustav Wolff.

All users of this site are aware that Belfast Heritage and Belfast History is being lost day in, day out in the name of progress to property developers and call on our politicians to do their job and protect Belfast City from losing its important heritage and finding out too late, the only interesting points in this city for tourists, is gable walls, a past most in Belfast would rather forget. 

Last Updated 22nd January 2009