Work began on Monday on the Rosetta Cottages site. Picture by Mal McCann

COTTAGES dating back to 1817 - and believed to be some of the oldest surviving buildings in Belfast - are to be restored for social housing.

Rosetta Cottages occupy a prominent position at the junction of the Ormeau and Ravenhill roads, but have lain derelict for around two decades.

Work however has begun this week to transform six cottages into two properties, with many of the old features of the houses being retained.

Another two properties at the end of the row are already in use as shops.

It is the first project by Clanmil Housing Association and its new Hearth heritage division following its merger with Hearth Housing Association, who specialise in conservation.

The listed houses will be refurbished and then offered to tenants at the top of the social housing waiting list. It is hoped that two families will be able to move into the properties following the renovation, with work expected to last around 11 months.

Dating back to the early 19th century, their appearance has not changed much since and are held in affection by local people.

Believed to be some of the oldest surviving buildings in Belfast, they were originally known as 'Saddler's Row'. Farmers bringing their produce to Belfast market could leave in items of harness to be repaired and collect them on their way home in the evening.

A toll gate once operated close to where the cottages stand.

Work begins on the Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

Located on a main arterial route into and out of Belfast city centre, there are two properties along the terrace currently occupied by shops.

Siobhan Brown, manager of Clanmil's Hearth Heritage Division, said the remaining "six cottages will be converted and restored into two properties".

Work begins on the Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

"At present, they are completely dilapidated and derelict - there's no roof inside and the first floor are gone," she said.

"The buildings are listed so it is important we put them back into as original state as possible.

"The two houses will all have modern facilities and we will be re-introducing some original features such as skirtings, architraves and sash windows.

The cottages have lain empty for around two decades. Picture by Mal McCann

"The original door will also be replicated as it is essential the cottages retain their original character on the outside. Internally it will be modern to an extent with some old original features such as lime plastering, as well as architraves and skirtings etc."

Mr Brown said it will be wonderful to see "new life" brought back into the historic cottages.

"The cottages are key buildings in a part of Belfast that is on a busy arterial route into and out of the city," she said.

Rosetta cottages in south Belfast Picture Mal McCann.

"People know the cottages and want to see them refurbished and in use again.

"They have been left derelict for over 20 years now, and when you restore a row of houses such as these it lifts the tone of the area, bringing it new life."

Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

Work began on Monday on the Rosetta Cottages site. Picture by Mal McCann

Work begins on the Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

The cottages have lain empty for around two decades. Picture by Mal McCann

Work begins on the Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

The cottages have lain empty for around two decades. Picture by Mal McCann

Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

Rosetta cottages in south Belfast Picture Mal McCann.

Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast. Picture by Mal McCann

Rosetta Cottages in south Belfast are to be redeveloped. Picture by Mal McCann