About Us
BBPT was founded in 1996 to protect, secure and enhance Belfast’s historic fabric and character. The Trust’s goal is to facilitate physical and social regeneration by using historic buildings. At the heart of this work is awareness that buildings are more than simply bricks and mortar. Successful and sustainable buildings depend upon successful and sustainable communities.
Heritage-led regeneration is about recognising that preserving and protecting built heritage depends upon community efforts, and a sense of community ownership. Civic engagement is crucial to securing sustainable futures for historic buildings and cities. We actively support the development of strong communities so that our built heritage can be used most effectively.
The Trust’s creation in 1996 was in response to arson attacks on two noteworthy buildings in Belfast. Having been badly damaged in arson attacks, St. Patrick’s School and Christchurch were at risk of demolition. Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, the first woman to chair Belfast Civic Trust, collected a group of people intent on action. The outcome was the foundation of the Belfast Buildings Preservation Trust – one of the first BPTs in Northern Ireland – with both St. Patrick’s and Christchurch restored, work on a variety of projects across Northern Ireland, and a stronger public consciousness of the importance of heritage led regeneration to Belfast’s historic character.
