AMBITIOUS plans to transform Hilden Mill into a self-contained
community village were revealed this week.
Proposals are to be submitted to the Planning Service later this
year to redevelop the 200,000 sq ft historic site on the banks
of the River Lagan.
The mill, which officially closed last year, and surrounding
land has been bought by Four Two Four Ltd, a company which wants
to transform it into a community village.
Conservation architects at Consarc Design group will oversee the
five year project, which is to feature houses, shops, a health
club, restaurant and craft works.
The mill itself is to be converted into apartments with the aim
of encouraging residents to live and work within a' sustainable
community.'
A small hotel is also proposed. The architects
have said they are keen to preserve the historic look of the
mill and it is hoped artefacts, photographs and machinery will
be displayed. Architect Dawson Stelfox said the quality of life
for the residents would be "wonderful". He explained: "We want
to get the whole site developed relatively quickly.
"We are transforming a derelict site into a
new living community. A community on the banks of the Lagan.
People living there will be able to get on the train to Belfast
or take the cycle path into work." At the recent meeting of
Lisburn City Council's planning committee, members agreed the
redevelopment will greatly assist the council in realising the
vision for Lisburn's Lagan Corridor and the reopening of the
Lagan Navigation.
Councillors welcome regeneration scheme
COUNCILLORS
have welcomed the opportunity to work with the developer to
regenerate the Hilden Mill site.
They said the regeneration would provide
environmental, social, community-related and economic benefits
for the area.
Alderman Ivan Davis .pointed out that "a
wonderful opportunity exists in relation to housing" and
highlighted the need to help first time buyers in the Lisburn
area. Alderman Paul Porter said the site would provide a good
way of giving back to the community.
And Alderman Jim Dillon said: "In a way it is
sad that the linen industry is gone for good but there is no
'going back and it is good to see the site being regenerated."
Councillor William Ward expressed his support
for the reopening of the Lagan navigation while Councillor Jenny
Palmer commended the proposals put forward by the developer.
