development: July 2007 Archives

It was with great sadness that the association learned of the demolition of Westbank House on Palmerston Road.
Westbank House was a beautiful detached villa that once belonged to the Smiles family.
William Smiles was co-founder of the Belfast Ropeworks with Gustaff Wolff.At the time the rope works was the largest rope manufacturer in the world.
A map of 1894 shows Gustaff Wolff's detached home on Station Rd, known as the Den, together with Westbank House. The two businessmen lived within 1/2 mile of each other and became and remained strong friends throughout their lives.
The following document may be of interest to those with an interest in the house and the Smiles/Wolff connection

* The Will of Gustav Wolff (outlining monies left to the daughters of Smiles)

The association was in contact with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and the Environment and Heritage Service in the days running up to the demolition and we hope that the contacts made and the lessons learnt will help us protect the remaining important buildings in our catchment area.

Before & After