Sirocco Works

[8] Sirocco Works played a significant part of Belfast's industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th century.

[9] Sirocco Works' engineering products were used in a range of industries, including shipbuilding, manufacturing and mining.

Davidson's invention, the centrifugal fan, among other parts, were installed in numerous ships, including the RMS Titanic.

[21] The machinery's processing speed and quality of tea leaves impressed investors, making it a success.

[22] In 1902, the Sirocco Works produced mechanical ventilation, passing the air through wet screens to free venues from dust, soot and microbes.

[24] Harland & Wolff Shipyard had made a deal to use Davidson and Co for the use of their Sirocco Fans on the RMS titanic during its construction in 1909 and 1912.

In 1922, Sirocco Works built heat exchangers, which helped develop terrace housing in Belfast east.

He organized laborer's into the union and called for a strike following the employer's refusal to meet the wage demands of the workers.

[30] In July 1920, Catholic and Protestant tensions were high, following the murder of an RUC police officer in Banbridge by the Irish Republican Army.

Notices appeared in Belfast shipyards and other trades calling on the predominately Protestant workforce to drive out 'disloyal' workers.

[39][40] Alliance Party deputy leader Naomi Long said “This is concerning news, especially following similar closures in the East Belfast area lately".

[42] In 2006, following minimal progress, Ewart Properties sold the Sirocco Works site for £40m to Carvill Group.

[44] In 2009, Carvill Group had developed a three-story marketing suite to contain temporary show apartments for perspective purchasers of the new proposal.

Swinford (Sirocco) Ltd (Osborne and Co.) was set up by St Francis Group as an affiliate company for the project.