From Malone Felt Works, built 1858 on Blackstaff Road (now Donegall Road). It was part of Malone Mills, belonging to S. Ellis & Co., felt and cement manufacturers.
The felt works was destroyed by fire towards the end of the 19th century and was replaced by “the People’s Palace”, opened in 1904, an institution which provided accommodation, employment and other amenities for the elderly, orphans and people with physical disabilities. A site was chosen adjacent to the site intended for Donegall Road Carnegie Library, opened in 1909, so that residents could benefit from library’s educational resources. “People’s Palaces” were a phenomenon of the late Victorian/Edwardian era. London had a People’s Palace in Mile End which evolved and grew into Queen Mary University of London. Glasgow still has its People’s Palace, which functions as a museum, gallery and house of culture.
"Resolved that the short new street from Uitility Street to Bentham Street be named 'Felt Street'", TIC, 4 February 1874.