9 and 10 Fore Street

A pair of shops with residential flats above, dating circa 1900 and subsequently altered. The building is constructed of terracotta on brick, with a slate roof and some copper cladding. It has a U-shaped plan, comprising a single unit and a double unit separated by a through-passage, with rear wings to each part. The building is two and a half storeys high and displays Baroque architectural details.

The ground floor features double-fronted shop fronts. At No.9, the slender columns are freestanding, with fluted shafts and foliated capitals. At No.10, the columns are integral and incorporate carved capitals and brackets. No.9 has a deep fascia with a modern semi-circular canopy over the door and a prominent sun-blind cornice. No.10 has a modern sloped fascia board covering the upper portion. The entrance to the through-passage is surrounded by terracotta, featuring a brattished cornice and a blind two-light mullioned overlight.

The upper floors consist of three bays, with the first bay curved around the left corner. The design is elaborate, using red and yellow terracotta with panelled pilasters, decorated bands, and a prominent moulded cornice running around the building. A hinged three-light window forms the left corner, with cylindrical glazing to the central light. Above the cornice is an octagonal lantern with an ogival copper-clad cap and an elaborate finial. The second and third bays incorporate large semi-circular tripartite windows, each with a keystone, and a small swan-neck pediment to the cornice above. The attic storey features a two-light dormer with cornice and pediment. All windows have recessed glazing and moulded surrounds. This group value reflects the building’s strong architectural composition and detailing.