Little Pavilion, Botanic Gardens, Belfast

Formerly known as the ‘Elderly Mens’ Shelter’ in Botanic Gardens, Belfast, this modest, single storey flat-roofed brick structure was constructed by William Scott & Sons in late 1933. The shelter is located along the North East boundary of Botanic Gardens, approximately half way between The Palm House to the NE and boundary of Botanic Primary School to the SE and is surrounded by mature planting. The rear of the former shelter abuts the boundary wall of the main library of Queen’s University. Materials Walls: Red/brown Brick Roof: Roofing felt RWGs: plastic Windows: uPVC Front (SW) Elevation: Symmetrical single storey brick building with flat roof with an advanced, raised Art Deco-type entrance to each end, with painted rendered infilled central section with high level ribbon windows. Entrances either side consist of a central flush timber door with applied metal sheet within staggered brick piers, stepping back and rising up with flat concrete coping stones. There has been some alteration to the brickwork above the door; the original brick herringbone detail is no longer extant and has been replaced with plainer brick detailing, incorporating a rectangular opening beneath the central section. The lower half of the infilled section is painted rough render with ribbon PVC windows to upper section on a continuous painted concrete cill. Metal grilles have been attached to the walls, protecting the windows. Roofing felt to flat roof. No rainwater goods to front elevation. A concrete ramped access has been formed across the front, rising to the entrance on right side and with a simple painted metal handrail forming the ramp edge. Three concrete steps rise to the right side landing at the top of the ramp. Former original ‘game’ formed at base of ramp with concrete paving slabs with indented numbers. Side (SE & NW) Elevations: English garden wall bond brickwork with a row of brick soldiers at floor level. Centrally located single plastic downpipe. Terracotta ventilation bricks at high level beneath concrete coping stone with overlapping roofing felt. Rear (NE) Elevation: Built up against boundary wall. Small brick chimney at central position with flat concrete coping stone. Former raised sections of brickwork, as seen in historic photographs, now removed.