Northern Ireland Executive to be lobbied to save Co Antrim heritage site from demolition by developers

The Northern Ireland Executive is to be lobbied to save a listed heritage site in Lisburn amid a demolition bid from developers.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s (LCCC) regeneration committee agreed a motion this week to explore funding sources for restoration and adaptive use of Hilden Mill.

Since it was abandoned in 2006, the 24 acre former factory has been subjected to numerous arson and vandalism attacks causing its listed buildings to deteriorate further.

Left: Councillor Gary Hynds outside Hilden Mill

Independent rep, Gary Hynds said: “I’m here to say enough is enough. We cannot let this world-famous piece of our heritage crumble into dust.

“My notice of motion is a call to arms, a plea to save Hilden Mill, whether through private partnership or bold public takeover, and it’s time we all took responsibility, from this council chamber to the halls of the Northern Ireland Executive.

“I’ve heard the arguments. ‘It’s too expensive to restore. It’s uneconomic. Let the developers knock it down and build houses.’

“But, I ask you what price do we put on our history? What cost is too high to save a piece of Northern Ireland’s industrial might, a might that was once world-class.

“We’ve let it drift into decay, and now we’re at a crossroads: act, or lose it forever.

“Private developers could lead this with the right incentives, or if they won’t, let’s take it into public hands. The Executive has the power, the resources, the responsibility to step in when heritage hangs by a thread. And this council? We’ve got to be the voice that demands it.”

Support in the chamber gallery was shown with a round of applause from former Hilden worker, Shirley McMichael, who was employed at the mill in 1967.

Currently, an application for consent from PJK Developments on the NI Planning Portal states a request for: ‘Demolition of listed Mill Buildings with part retention of Buildings 2a and 2c adjacent to Mill Street.’

Hilden Mill is a Grade B+ listed thread mill in Lisburn, located next to the River Lagan which once powered the mill’s waterwheel. The site is of national, historic interest due to its connection with the Barbour Family in the 19th century.

William Barbour & Sons went on to become world’s leading linen manufacturers employing thousands of people and exported its products all over the globe.

Alliance cllr, Nichola Parker said: “Hilden Mill is a place of personal significance to me, my own grandmother worked there as did many other families from Lisburn throughout the centuries.

“It is key that any proposals align with both the heritage preservation and community needs.

“It is deeply frustrating that such an iconic site has been allowed to fall into this state of disrepair.

“We should be looking at mixed-use solutions, whether that includes commercial, cultural, or limited residential development, that ensure this site remains part of our community, rather than being lost to history.

“There are funding avenues that could be explored, and I know the council continues to prioritise this as part of a long-term strategy.

“Hilden Mill was once a place of industry, pride, and economic strength. We owe it to future generations to ensure it does not become a legacy of decay.”

The chamber also heard calls to have robust security measures put in place including fencing and CCTV due to concerns over future vandalism and public safety.

A council officer alluded to recent illegal entry by trespassers using an “angle grinder” to gain access through a gated fence at the site.  The damage to the fence was fixed in a matter of days by LCCC.

DUP rep, Jonathan Craig added: “It is appalling the situation we find ourselves in with Hilden Mill, due to the inactivity of the previous owners of the site and others not doing the right thing at the time.

“It is time to do something about it and for others to step up to the mark.

“We have a housing shortage that can’t be met. We need to come together with the NI Executive to make something for the people of Hilden and Lisburn.”

A previous owner of the Hilden Mill site, Galliard Homes, was granted planning approval for a redevelopment scheme that involved up to 600 houses, but that permission has since lapsed.

Council regeneration director, Donal Rogan responded: “When I took on this position at Lisburn and Castlereagh in 2017, the first conversation I had with the then council CEO was about Hilden Mill.

“There have been five planning applications for the site since then.

“We are continuing to engage with the developers and partners.”

Agent for PDK Developments, James McBride previously spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

He said: “I have confirmed that I personally will be more than happy to attend a planning committee meeting or a full council meeting to explain the situation and various implications of doing nothing in respect of the future of the site.”