1 The Square, Portaferry, Co Down, BT22 1LN

This is an Art Deco style bank, constructed approximately between 1935 and 1936 in dark red brick with stone dressings. It occupies the northeast corner of The Square, at its junction with High Street, with its front elevation facing south. A defining feature is the curved corner, typical of Art Deco design.

The main entrance is centrally located and features a panelled door with a plain fanlight, a stone surround, and a decorative entablature. A steel roller shutter is positioned above the door. To the left of the entrance is another door, also covered by a steel roller shutter. Two grouped windows are situated immediately to the right of this door, enclosed within a stone surround featuring fluted piers, and incorporating a door. These windows have four horizontal panes, with two hopper opening panes in the centre of each. The window cill of the right-hand window has been altered by the addition of an ATM. A group of three windows is aligned to the right of the entrance, mirroring the design of the previous windows. A stone base course runs along the front. Raised illuminated plastic lettering and a projecting sign are positioned above the right-hand window grouping. A string course of matching brick sits above all windows on both floors.

The first floor features a group of three windows to the left, separated by brick piers with stone cills and projecting lintels. These windows contain sash frames with horizontal astragals. The central first-floor window is a double sash, mirroring the detailing of the other windows. To the right, three more windows match those to the left. The building is topped by a brick parapet with a raised central feature, originally supporting projecting letters spelling the bank’s name. This feature is finished with stone coping. There are two cast iron down spouts and hopper heads.

The east facade curves along High Street, with two ground-floor windows. A single, curved window mirrors the design of the ground-floor windows. To the right of this window is a gateway with a timber sheeted door and timber sheeting above the fanlight. The first floor of the eastern facade has two windows, each with single sash frames consistent with detailing on the first floor, with a window to the left on the curve of the building.

Originally belonging to The Belfast Bank, the building was constructed in 1936 on the site of the former Nugent Arms Hotel. The Belfast Bank was taken over by the Northern (Midland) Bank between 1969 and 1970, and the Northern Bank subsequently transferred its Portaferry branch to this building in 1972. The building is located within a conservation area.