“In 1878 The Corporation embarked on a development programme. Early in 1879 the lanes between North Street and Smithfield were swept away and Gresham Street came into existence. This was followed by the demolition of Hercules Street and John Street, which was completed by December 1881. "THE NEW STREET NAMED, The Law and Improvement Conmittee of the Town Council resolved, meeting held yesterday to call the new thoroughfare from Donegall Place to York Street the name of Royal Avenue. This will set at rest ail speculations upon the subject". Belfast Telegraph - Thursday 03 November 1881. Royal Avenue was once called Hercules Street after Hercules Langford, a prominent Belfast citizen.