Councillor Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn City Council's Economic Development Committee discusses the exciting plans for Millbrook Huguenot with Linda Crymble, Lagan Corridor Programme Manager and Lagan Corridor Project Team Member, Alderman Paul Porter.

EXCITING regeneration plans, costing nearly half a million pounds, for the riverside area at Millbrook and Huguenot have came a step closer with the lodging of a planning application for the Project.

The scheme, submitted by Lisburn City Council, details a significant riverside improvement scheme that will improve access and facilities within the area as well as providing an adventure playground, a new bridge and fishing platforms. It will also involve upgraded paths and river banks in the Millbrook/Huguenot area of the City.

The plans are the result of a successful partnership and joint funding by the Council, Lagan Valley Regional Park and the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of an overall strategy to enhance the Lagan Valley Regional Park.

Chairman of the Council's Economic Development Committee, Councillor Allan Ewart, said that he was confident that after much hard work by all parties, work could soon begin onsite.

"The Council has been working with many partners including statutory agencies, private developers and the local community in Hilden to ensure the final plans provide an integrated way forward for the regeneration of the Millbrook/Huguenot area" he said.

The application is the first in a series of development plans for the area around the former Hilden Mill. The Council has been in discussions with the new owners of the site to ensure any further redevelopments incorporate regeneration of the riverside including the restoration of Lock 11 at Hilden and public access to the site with links to Lagan Valley Island and Lisburn City Centre.

Lagan Corridor Project Team Member, Alderman Paul Porter said: "The Council will continue to work with the developers and all relevant parties to ensure that this strategically important site realises its full economic, social and environmental potential, not just for the residents of Hilden but for the wider community across the City."

Anyone wishing to view the design scheme for the Millbrook Huguenot project should contact Lynda Crymble, the Council's Lagan Corridor Programme Manager on 9250 9489.