Banana Block is a living museum and multi-purpose space in a historic mill in East Belfast. Building on the legendary story of William Richardson, the first person on the British Isles to succeed in growing banana’s ripe enough to eat, the museum showcases the history of the local spinning mill and local community. Next to that, Banana block is home to artisan food producers, creative entrepreneurs, and innovative businesses, and hosts a range of workshops, exhibitions, events and educational programmes.
Banana Block is located in a historic linen mill in East Belfast. The mill was established in the early 1900s by, the then Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Otto Jaffa. Between the 1900s and 1980s, the mill was one of the largest flax tow spinning mills in the world and it became a prime example of manufacturing and technological innovation of the days. In the 1930s, the Mackie family took over ownership of the mill and they run the mill until the 1983, when the declining linen industry made the company come to a stop. The B2-listed heritage building was taken over by a group of individuals, who converted it into workspaces for small enterprises under the name Portview Trade Centre. Since October 2021, Banana Block has opened its doors in one of the blocks of the Portview Trade Centre. [1;2;3]
The name Banana block refers to the local story of William Richardson. This East Belfast resident and head gardener at the estate of Sir Otto Jaffe reportedly was the first person in the British Isles to grow bananas ripe enough to eat. In 1932, workers from both the protestant and catholic community joined together in relief strikes across the Belfast mills. In search for a neutral marching tune, they only song they could agree upon was ‘Yes, we have no banana’s’, further establishing the link with Belfast Bananas and the mill.[1;2;3]
Banana Block is a living museum and event space. It aims to showcase the history of the mill and the local community, while also fostering connections for the future. Central to the space is a ring of banana plants and other rare species, which are a homage to the former gardener, Willian Richardson. Next to growing bananas, the initiative is also aimed at growing local entrepreneurship and strengthen the community. The goal is to create a space that stimulates curiosity, encourages risk and identifies new talent. [3] Banana Block is home to a variety artisan producers, creative entrepreneurs, and innovative businesses. It is also home to a café, in which Banana Beer, developed in cooperation with Boundary Brewery, can be enjoyed. Regular events, including exhibitions, workshops, tours and performances are held in the building. Event spaces can also be rented for private events. Urban farming is being developed, as well as an educational programme around sustainable local food production. [1;3]
Portview Trade Centre owns the building and have commissioned Urban Scale Interventions, an innovative Belfast-based design studio, to develop the concept of Banana Block. Urban Scale Interventions have done so in cooperation with national and international consultants, including local tenants of the Portview Trade Centre. [3;4;5] Banana Block operates as a Community Interest Company.
The development of Banana Block has been supported by a £148,950 grant (appr. €168.000) from Tourism Northern Ireland. This has been matched by Portview Trade Centre. Heritage interpretation has been developed in partnership with the National Museums Northern Ireland. The agri-food company Mash Direct is the lead sponsor for the development of an Urban Farm, as well as educational programmes on urban agriculture and local farming. [5]
Through the commercial activities developed on-site, offerings are provided that benefit the local community and connect visitors with the heritage of the site.
Banana Block, organisational website, https://bananablock.org/, accessed on 26-04-2023
Sir Otto Jaffe, article on Great Place North Belfast, https://greatplacenorthbelfast.com/project/sir-otto-jaffe-lord-mayor-linen-merchant-and-philanthropist/, accessed on 26-04-2023
Belfast Strand Spinning Mill, http://duffyrafferty.com/whats-the-story-about-belfasts-strand-spinning-mill/, accessed on 26-04-2023
Urban Scale Interventions, organisational website, https://urbanscaleinterventions.com/, accessed on 26-04-2023
Portview Banana project, http://duffyrafferty.com/portview-banana-project-ripe-for-development/, accessed on 26-04-2023