The Hayford Block was built on Church Street 1866-68 by local contractor, Axel Hayford. There were retail stores on the ground level and offices on the second floor. In the back section was Hayford Hall, later renamed as the Opera House, which occupied two upper levels.

The Opera House was used for a variety of entertainments including plays, operas, fairs, formal dinners, club meetings, public gatherings and dances. Its seating capacity was 1,300 and it had a stage, a large balcony and ample floor space. Roller skating was introduced in 1882 and the first basketball game in Belfast was held there in 1904.