Request submitted to demolish majority of historic mill buildings

A developer has submitted an application to obtain permission for the demolition of the majority of the listed structures located at Hilden Mill, situated close to Lisburn. A consultant representing PJK Developments informed BBC News NI that redeveloping the site would not be economically feasible without proceeding with the demolition. An official request for listed building consent has been lodged with the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. The mill has held listed status since 1989, and multiple redevelopment initiatives have been put forward since its closure in 2006. Nevertheless, none of these proposals have progressed, and the buildings have experienced recurring incidents of vandalism and arson, with the latest occurrence taking place in May of this current year. The developers are currently requesting authorization to dismantle all but two of the existing structures on the property. Their aspiration is for these two remaining buildings to be preserved and repurposed for community benefit. In respect of the mill structures for which demolition has been requested, the consultant informed BBC News NI that reports from various engineers and surveyors have been obtained, indicating that “the buildings have been shown to be completely and utterly uneconomic to restore”. He further stated: “The intention is that if we obtain the consent to knock the buildings down, we will then make a positive planning application to redevelop the site for residential purposes, a significant part of which is likely to be for social housing.” Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) expressed apprehension regarding the application, noting that the structures have faced “considerable risk for decades under several different ownerships”. The society commented that Hilden Mill has been “allowed to deteriorate to what local councillors across NI, typically and conveniently dismiss as just an ’eyesore’”. The UAH further asserted: “This represents just the latest example of the failure of the Northern Ireland Executive and the responsible arms of departments, local government, and law enforcement, to safeguard the built and industrial heritage asset of the Northern Ireland economy.” Citing prior UAH judicial reviews, the society stated that prolonged neglect does not constitute a material planning consideration for listed buildings. Independent councillor Gary Hynds remarked that Hilden Mill holds significant historical importance for the Lisburn locality. He commented: “At least part of the history must be kept.” He added: “I would never support knocking the whole thing down.” Mr. Hynds indicated that he had communicated with the developers, encouraging them to retain certain buildings for community purposes. He provided the example of Hilden School, which is presently undergoing redevelopment to accommodate a tearoom, a nursery, and heritage exhibitions. The councillor clarified that he did not object to the partial redevelopment of the mill complex for residential purposes, but he desired further specifics regarding the proposed housing types. He stated: “I support the idea of co-ownership that gives the people of the area more chance of getting on the housing ladder.” Hilden Mill encompasses a 24-acre former factory premises situated at the periphery of Lisburn city, with views of the River Lagan. The location served as a linen bleaching green until industrialist William Barbour acquired it in 1823. Barbour’s father had relocated from Scotland approximately four decades prior and established a linen thread enterprise at an adjacent location in Lisburn. William Barbour constructed a water-powered mill at Hilden, thereby laying the groundwork for a company that would evolve into one of the globe’s foremost linen thread producers. The Barbour family provided employment to many thousands of individuals at Hilden across several decades, and they established a model village for their employees. This development comprised hundreds of residences, two educational institutions, a community center, a village sports field, and a children’s play area. During the 1990s, Hilden Mill merged with the global company Coats Ltd, subsequently becoming recognized as the Coats Barbour factory, which manufactured specialized thread for the automotive and upholstery sectors. However, by 2006, its market share had diminished, leading to the closure of the thread factory site and the elimination of 85 positions. Subsequently, multiple owners have made efforts to redevelop the mill, yet without success. A prior proposal to construct over 600 residences on the property received planning permission in 2009. Nevertheless, construction did not commence, and that planning permission has since expired. Over recent years, the site has been consistently subjected to attacks by vandals and arsonists. In 2011, a significant fire, which severely damaged the mill’s top three floors, was brought under control by 60 firefighters. Ten years later, arsonists attacked the mill on two occasions within a two-month period, with the initial incident obliterating a portion of its roof. The latest fire, occurring in May 2024, resulted in widespread damage to several of the structures still standing. Over 40 firefighters and an aerial appliance were needed to extinguish the conflagration. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed at that time that the fire was also being investigated as intentional. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. 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