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Community village plan for Hilden

NEW LIFE FOR MILL

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

Alderman Ivan DavisCOUNCILLORS 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.

Ulster Star
09/03/2007