43-47 South Street, Newtownards, Co. Down, BT23 4JT

A two-storey gabled end-of-terrace block on the west side of South Street, Newtownards, comprising number 43 (currently a takeaway) and numbers 45 and 47 (currently a public house). The building spans seven bays and turns the corner to front onto John Street.

The block was originally built as three dwelling houses, likely between the 1760s and 1830s, following South Street's development as part of Alexander Stewart's regular grid-like street plan laid out in the 1760s around the new market house. When first surveyed in October 1972, the building retained traditional 'Ards' doorcases characteristic of the region.

Number 43 has been substantially altered. Its front façade is rendered and painted with a large modern opening at ground floor level. Both original first floor window openings are now blocked, as are all rear window openings. The ground floor has been extended into the rear yard.

Numbers 45 and 47 retain considerably more of their original character. The original ground floors have been merged and fitted with a good quality painted timber replica shop and public house front. Five first floor windows survive as original openings with their original surrounds and cills intact. Three of the first floor windows on number 47 have moulded surrounds. The windows themselves have been replaced with plastic units. The original eaves detail and raised quoins are intact. The façade is rendered and painted. A single chimney survives between numbers 43 and 45. A modern extension has been added to the rear.

The elevation to John Street is entirely modern.

The block does not merit listing as a whole, largely due to internal alterations. However, the public house at numbers 45 and 47 is of significant local interest, particularly for its prominent corner site location and the good quality South Street elevation which retains its original character and form, along with largely intact first floor openings and eaves detailing.