Cafe Nero, 48-50 Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4EG

A three-storey, terraced commercial building, constructed c. 1935 in a stripped classical style with strong Art Deco influences. Generally rectangular on plan, the building is framed construction with elevations having a vertical emphasis. Located on the northern side of Ann Street in Belfast City centre, having a plain three-storey return block abutting to rear (of little interest). A flat roof of indeterminate material, concealed behind parapet which wraps around all elevations; parapet of principal elevation has shallow gradient rising to central apex, surmounted by chevron motif and moulded detail. Heavily moulded, projecting eaves course to main façade having decorative lead flashing over; replacement rainwater goods to rear only. Walling is generally white/grey composite stone cladding-tiles with recessed panels framing central opening which dominates upper floors of main elevation. Windows are squared with metal frames and reflective glass; three pairs are vertically arranged across the upper floors with a bronze panel separating them horizontally, below second floor level. Continuous projecting cill course over plain painted upper ground floor which has modern timber fascia and signage affixed; ground floor has been shopped with three expansive full-height glazed openings and a modern door to right-of-centre; far edges of ground floor are clad in polished red granite. Rear block also rectangular on plan with partially hipped slate roof and smooth rendered walls. Principal elevation faces south and is symmetrical across the upper floors. Four openings wide, windows are separated by three projecting, moulded piers which rise from the first floors cills through to the upper proportion of second floor windows. Ground floor is shopped and modernized (of no interest). West elevation is almost entirely abutted by adjoining building but ground floor contains narrow passage way (Cole’s Alley), which is lined in modern brickwork. North elevation is abutted by rear three-storey smooth rendered block, containing single metal door to centre of main elevation (of no real interest). East elevation abutted by adjoining building. Setting Located on the northern side of Ann Street, the building terminates a newly created but important vista from the Victoria Square Shopping centre to the south. A narrow alleyway (Cole’s Alley) originates in Ann Street, along the western elevation where it extends north and then turns east along the rear of the premises, opening out onto Church Lane. The building is abutted to the east by modern red brick three-storey commercial terraces and by mid 20th century red brick parapetted commercial building. Roof: Flat roof (undetermined material) RWG : metal and uPVC Walling: tiles Windows: metal