Completed in 2003 at a cost of 12 million pounds, this building was named in honour of the Williamson Brothers who established a Tannery here in the 1880’s. Apartments on top, retail space below and the black taxi depot is in the basement. A plaque is dedicated to all those taxi drivers who were killed during the past troubles.

The Tannery Building Photos

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About The Tannery Building

The Tannery Building

This building opposite the modern Belfast Tech comprises of retail space, 34 apartments and a multi-storey car park. The development was completed in October 2003 at a cost of 12 million pounds by the Sheridan Group. It was named after the former Williamson Brothers who established a Tannery here in the 1880’s.

The site had been used as a black taxi depot which served the Catholic parts of Belfast for many years until it was acquired through a government sponsored development competition. The depot is now in the basement here with a plaque just inside the entrance in memory of all those taxi drivers who were killed during the troubles.

The centre was opened on 16 May 2003 by former Belfast Mayor, Alex Maskey. Presently, the West Belfast Taxi Association is made up of 223 male drivers and 7 female drivers. Due to civil unrest in 1969 which led to an unreliable public transport the first Black Taxi made it’s appearance on these streets in the middle of 1970 although it’s not clear who started it all off.  

On the 12th November 1975 the Association lost its first member Michael Duggan, who was the chairperson of the Association.  Ironically his death was due to a dispute between the Provisional and Official IRA. Many others deaths though were a direct consequence of loyalist or police involvment.

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