Good to see the arcade as it was.Its sad but seems to be the norm that developers etc , will deliberately burn and destroy properties that stand in thier way
Check out the video response i have posted to this... i know you all know the story... last years attempt to stop The Rotterdam Bar to go the same way as North Street Arcade.... this video is part 1 of 5 45 mins in total.... If you watch - please rate and comment :) Cheers
It felt like we where the unofficial 3rd culture while the other two where at each others throat. It is not urban myth; St Annes was the kick-start to the music scene and Alternative living.
There where hundreds of bands formed because of the Arcade and St Annes. Some still playing today such as Pocket Billiards, Every member would tell you all exactly how important the Arcade truly was.
The kid at St Annes where the real true blue to the modern culture we have today.
It seems that when the developers want to pull a historic building down, SUDDENLY a fire breaks out and we all stand back and watch with our mouths open. Theold Smithfield market in the 1970's and The Arcade in 2004. What next????????
Hi, it seems Belfast is in a rush to re -present itself ... via new void shopping experiences and disappointing archite'cure' under the misguided belief that it will inspire us, i think not. North Street Arcade should be rebuilt pronto- it was the only thing 'real' not constructed 'better belive it'....
I'm 18 and disgraced with Belfast's weak attempts to revive our culture with Starbucks and Victoria Square. With the closure of places like the Rotterdam, Hector's House and North Street Arcade, city centre is a dull place.
I have heard recently that the developers in this instance are going to be forced to rebuild the original design!!!
I hope that's true!!
I just spent a year or two fighting to retain the Rotterdam Bar in Belfast! A temporary repreive was all we won there!
Terry Hooley has a new record shop in Winetavern Street and it is called 'GOOD VIBES'... you should all get round there and see him... behind Castlecourt... tell him Ludwig sent ye!
I was reminded of the Arcade today when I heard about the Camden Market fire. That's how I found this video. It made me cry.
In the 1990s I lived near Belfast and would mitch off school with friends and we would go to Belfast for the day. We got all our punk records from Hector's House. The Arcade is the most beautiful thing!
I returned to Belfast for an emotional family funeral a few years ago and my sister and I spent time at the Arcadia cafe and we were both very taken with what a fabulous place the Arcade was those days. A truly alternative vibe could be felt and it was great to see the Arcade being preserved in all its art deco fabulousness.
As is far too often the way, I didn't get Home until a couple of years ago for another, even more emotional family funeral. I went off to the Arcade and discovered the burnt out shell. It made me cry. I took some photos with my phone, and spoke to the bookshop people about the fire. How utterly, utterly, awful it must have been when it happened.
i too met my friends there, reznorblade lonewandererhi. we were more than an alternative community we wer part of a alternative family we helped supported and comforted eachother. Arcadia is deeply missed but not forgotten.
The arcade was the heart of alternative life for many people. Without it people dont have a place to meet and socialise in a safe and welcoming environment. The services offered by the shops and organisations were unparalleled and sorely missed. Can I get permission to put this video on the Bebo Group Arcadia Memories? I will be setting up a group for Memories of North Street Arcade in the future, unless it already exists. Its important we get people talking again on this issue.
Hi there. Yes you may use this video for a bebo group as long as I get full credit of my copy write for the film. I don't want to have to take anyone else to court over them claiming they made this film. Let me know when the bebo goes live?
Good to see the arcade as it was.Its sad but seems to be the norm that developers etc , will deliberately burn and destroy properties that stand in thier way
stevelaw6673 2 years ago
Keep up the fight
a tthe best from scotland
AyeWeCan 3 years ago
Folks...
Check out the video response i have posted to this... i know you all know the story... last years attempt to stop The Rotterdam Bar to go the same way as North Street Arcade.... this video is part 1 of 5 45 mins in total.... If you watch - please rate and comment :) Cheers
ludwigsongs 3 years ago
It felt like we where the unofficial 3rd culture while the other two where at each others throat. It is not urban myth; St Annes was the kick-start to the music scene and Alternative living.
There where hundreds of bands formed because of the Arcade and St Annes. Some still playing today such as Pocket Billiards, Every member would tell you all exactly how important the Arcade truly was.
The kid at St Annes where the real true blue to the modern culture we have today.
Tomsthumb 3 years ago
Is this place going to be redeveloped?
danielspeight123 3 years ago
Of course. Once they think that everyone has forgot about it.
The rich get Richer, while the poor are disgarded.
biggybigmore 3 years ago
you are 100% right
danielspeight123 3 years ago
Best thing about this little tearjerker is the beautiful arty soundtrack! A delight to the ear!
Clingoid 3 years ago
It seems that when the developers want to pull a historic building down, SUDDENLY a fire breaks out and we all stand back and watch with our mouths open. Theold Smithfield market in the 1970's and The Arcade in 2004. What next????????
rocker53zero 3 years ago
Hi, it seems Belfast is in a rush to re -present itself ... via new void shopping experiences and disappointing archite'cure' under the misguided belief that it will inspire us, i think not. North Street Arcade should be rebuilt pronto- it was the only thing 'real' not constructed 'better belive it'....
bunnywhocares 3 years ago
I couldn't agree more.
I'm 18 and disgraced with Belfast's weak attempts to revive our culture with Starbucks and Victoria Square. With the closure of places like the Rotterdam, Hector's House and North Street Arcade, city centre is a dull place.
I wish I was born 30 years earlier.
CaptainLeet 3 years ago
I have heard recently that the developers in this instance are going to be forced to rebuild the original design!!!
I hope that's true!!
I just spent a year or two fighting to retain the Rotterdam Bar in Belfast! A temporary repreive was all we won there!
Terry Hooley has a new record shop in Winetavern Street and it is called 'GOOD VIBES'... you should all get round there and see him... behind Castlecourt... tell him Ludwig sent ye!
ludwigsongs 3 years ago
I was reminded of the Arcade today when I heard about the Camden Market fire. That's how I found this video. It made me cry.
In the 1990s I lived near Belfast and would mitch off school with friends and we would go to Belfast for the day. We got all our punk records from Hector's House. The Arcade is the most beautiful thing!
jinnythesquinny 4 years ago
I returned to Belfast for an emotional family funeral a few years ago and my sister and I spent time at the Arcadia cafe and we were both very taken with what a fabulous place the Arcade was those days. A truly alternative vibe could be felt and it was great to see the Arcade being preserved in all its art deco fabulousness.
jinnythesquinny 4 years ago
As is far too often the way, I didn't get Home until a couple of years ago for another, even more emotional family funeral. I went off to the Arcade and discovered the burnt out shell. It made me cry. I took some photos with my phone, and spoke to the bookshop people about the fire. How utterly, utterly, awful it must have been when it happened.
jinnythesquinny 4 years ago
i too met my friends there, reznorblade lonewandererhi. we were more than an alternative community we wer part of a alternative family we helped supported and comforted eachother. Arcadia is deeply missed but not forgotten.
arsenicmetaloid 4 years ago
The arcade was the heart of alternative life for many people. Without it people dont have a place to meet and socialise in a safe and welcoming environment. The services offered by the shops and organisations were unparalleled and sorely missed. Can I get permission to put this video on the Bebo Group Arcadia Memories? I will be setting up a group for Memories of North Street Arcade in the future, unless it already exists. Its important we get people talking again on this issue.
lonewandererhi 4 years ago
Hi there. Yes you may use this video for a bebo group as long as I get full credit of my copy write for the film. I don't want to have to take anyone else to court over them claiming they made this film. Let me know when the bebo goes live?
Best regards.
Biggy.
biggybigmore 4 years ago
There was a pet shop - the animals burned to death
TwilightFalls 4 years ago
There was around 150 animals killed, rabbits,bird, etc... And almost a 5 peice band in the music studio.
biggybigmore 4 years ago
What did you think of the video ?
biggybigmore 4 years ago
Bob hope and no hope!
Another PSNI cover-up...
biggybigmore 4 years ago
Realy interesting. What is the second song? It's really nice.
COLDPLAYBEAR 5 years ago
Afro Celt Sound System the song is called "Release", it features guest vocals from Sinead O'Connor.
It tells you this information on the end credits.
biggybigmore 5 years ago
Good man Biggy ! terrible that things like this still happen !
brendanokelly 5 years ago