Council Welcomes Revitalisation of Hilden Mill Site

June 8, 2017

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council recently visited the 24 acre Hilden Mill site which has been bought by an English Development company, St Francis Group.

The Hilden Mill site was home to the Barbour Thread Factory since 1823 and has laid vacant since 2006. The site is an iconic local landmark with the potential to be one of the largest mixed use development projects in Northern Ireland.

Hilden brings together a number of important architectural, sociological and historical themes in one area: the Edwardian, Victorian and earlier buildings: the mill itself; the associated mill housing; and the mill school.

As a conserved site with listed structures, the Council envisions to retain the natural heritage and architecture while creating linkages with lagan walkways, greenways and the wider city infrastructure. The mixed use development aims to maximise the place shaping opportunity to create sustainable communities.

Cllr Uel Mackin, Chairman of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Development Committee said, “This site offers an exciting opportunity for community sustainability. A vibrant landmark to live and work will be a real boost for the local economy.”

“During the development process we will ensure engagement with all interested parties to help shape the regeneration opportunity of Hilden Mill.”

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will be working closely with St Francis Group to look at the wider vision for the site and will continue to encourage stakeholder engagement. With wide ranging interest in this project from housing agencies, the Council, local businesses, and other external stakeholders.

The developer, St Francis Group, has welcomed Council interest and will develop a master plan for the area with forward thinking ideas expected to be produced within the next twelve months.

Chief Executive, Theresa Donaldson said, “We are pleased to see this development moving in the right direction. Hilden Mill is a key site and an asset to Lisburn & Castlereagh City heritage, with the right proposal this development could really make a positive contribution and change for the city.”

The Council welcomes this development with a vision to reenergise the city area with the key focus on regenerating the natural built heritage that will create a sustainable community.