A Londonderry street scene from 1951

Up until the late 1980s, Waterloo Place was a key focus of commercial activity in the city centre. Though it contains several fine buildings, including the former Northern Counties Hotel, many significant buildings were lost during the worst years of unrest. The appearance of some buildings in this area remains low grade and the prominence of solid roller shutters considerably detract from the area, particularly in the

evening time. Many retain wire-mesh security grilles, in particular some of those fronting or backing onto the City Walls