There has been a call to restore an historic South Belfast bandstand that continues to fall into a state of disrepair. SDLP South Belfast councillors Gary McKeown and Séamas de Faoite are calling for action to be taken on the Ormeau Park bandstand in the hopes that it can be restored to its former glory.
The listed bandstand was created over 100 years ago in the park and is one of its prominent features, however the councillors say that it looks like it has been forgotten about, with paint peeling from its metal frame and sections of its wooden roof missing.
Cllr Gary McKeown said: “The bandstand in Ormeau Park has been a focal point not just for this area, but for the whole of the city for generations. The park first opened to the public 150 years ago, and the bandstand was built around 1900, but despite being a listed monument, it has been neglected over the years, so it needs restored as a matter of priority to bring it back to its former glory.
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“I am very concerned about its current state of disrepair, with significant sections of the wooden roof missing and paint peeling from the metalwork. It just looks like it has been forgotten about. We need to take action not just to stop the degradation of the bandstand, but to also bring it back into active use in a way that respects and celebrates its history.
“You only have to look at other bandstands, such as the one in Warrenpoint Park which is from a similar era and looks absolutely fantastic since it was restored, to see the potential. We’ve been working with council officers to identify how this work might be done, but ultimately we as a city have a responsibility to sympathetically restore this well-known piece of Belfast’s architecture so it can be enjoyed now and in future years.”
Cllr Séamas de Faoite said: “The Ormeau bandstand was a prominent feature of my childhood as I remember playing here with my cousins when we were little. It was also home to many excellent performances from local bands and musicians throughout the years through schemes like Music in the Parks.
“We want to see it restored to its former glory and protected so that future generations of children and musicians can get the full benefit of this landmark location in Ormeau Park.”
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