College Square East. Belfast Met, Belfast

College Square East is one of Belfast city centre’s most striking architectural landmarks. This grand Edwardian‑Beaux‑Arts building was constructed between 1902 and 1906 as the Belfast Municipal Technical Institute, later becoming part of what we know today as Belfast Metropolitan College (“Belfast Met”). Designed as a monument to Belfast’s industrial prowess, its majestic dome, stately columns, and sculptural flourishes earned it the affectionate nickname “Black Man Tech” after the oxidised bronze statue of Dr. Henry Cooke that stands sentinel outside, his darkened copper figure lending the building its nickname.

For tourists, College Square East offers a captivating glimpse into Belfast’s educational and wartime history. During the Belfast Blitz of World War II, students sheltered in its reinforced air‑raid bunkers. Though Belfast Met phased out operations at the College Square East site in 2011 and consolidated campuses elsewhere, the building remains an enduring tribute to the city’s industrial spirit-as impressive for its design as it is poignant for its role in the community’s resilience.

Today, even after its conversion to student housing and refurbishment, College Square East remains a magnet for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Situated within walking distance of prominent sites like City Hall, the Linenhall Library, and the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, all within the same College Square East vicinity, it’s a must‑see stop on any self‑guided tour of Belfast’s civic and cultural heart.

Whether you're an admirer of grand Edwardian architecture, a student of urban history, or simply a curious tourist exploring Belfast’s cityscape, the former Belfast Met building on College Square East offers a beautifully preserved intersection of past and present. Pause to admire its ornate facade, catch glimpses of its storied interior arches from afar, and appreciate the significance of a site that has educated generations and endured even the city’s darkest nights.