Gate Screen at University Road / Stranmillis Road Botanic Gardens Belfast BT7 1LP

Located at the northwest approach into Botanic Gardens from University Road at the junction with Stranmillis Road. Orientated on an east west axis, the gateway comprises a central set of vehicular gates with pedestrian gates either side and flanked with low brick walls with stone copings on which is fixed wrought iron railings. Constructed in 1878 the original gates and railings were removed as a contribution to the war effort in WW2 and the present, sympathetically remodelled gates were installed c1989. Facing West, the entrance is comprisesd of a pair of vehicular gates, with a single pedestrian gare to either side and flanked, either side with low level brick walling with heavy stone coping and surmounted with railings matching those on the gateways. Natural cut stone piers with chamfered corners on a base plinth and surmounted with heavy pyramidal coping having sculptured finials to outer piers with central piers with exposed wiring for missing light fittings. Framed by pillars the metal gates are composed of elegant vertical metal uprights with gilded arrow pointed tips, interspersed at the lower-level section with intermediate uprights of a matching style. Top profile of each gate has an arc profile sweeping up to adjoining pier culminating in an elevated end section which is mirrored on the other gate and creates a balanced composition when the gates are in the closed position. Central gateway crowned with overthrow bearing the name ‘Botanic Gardens’ in art nouveau gilded style lettering. SETTING: Located at the northwest corner of Botanic Gardens, the gate screen is flanked, either side with extensive open railings which enhance the setting. This defines the gate screen as a prominent entry point to Botanic Gardens.