Julie Ann Spence reports

The plans which have been revealed for new major housing, jobs and leisure project at the former Hilden Mill site.

THIS is the first look at how one of Lisburn's most famous landmarks, Hilden Mill, will be transformed in a �100m regeneration. Well known London developers, Galliard Homes, submitted their plans for the transformation of the former Barbour Threads site in Lisburn this week.

The proposals will see the restoration of the listed buildings and the opening up of the River Lagan for wider public use with much improved amenities.

The proposals include plans for 605 residential units, 15,000 sq ft. of light industry, 17,000 sq ft of own door offices, a museum expected to be focused on the history of the linen industry, a riverside bar/restaurant, a gym, cr�che, caf� and tourist related retail uses, restoration/replacement of canal and river bridges and community meeting rooms. It is expected the development will provide upwards of 150 new jobs.

Commenting on the proposals Michael Watson of Galliard Homes, said: "Galliard Homes are delighted to be involved in bringing such a ground breaking regeneration scheme to Lisburn. Since we took ownership of the old Hilden Mill complex we identified that there was incredible potential in the scheme that could be realised for the Greater Lisburn area."
Dawson Steifox, senior architect with Consarc Conservation, part of the Consarc Design Group, added:

"The regeneration of the Barbour Thread factory combines authentic restoration of the listed mill buildings with contemporary architecture to create a new urban mixed use village at Hilden in the process cleaning up a brown field site, opening up public access to the Lagan and providing both homes and jobs."

The Mayor, Councillor James Tinsley, endorsed the scheme saying "The Council welcomes the opportunity to work with the developer on this important regeneration scheme that will provide environmental, social, community related and economic benefits to the Lisburn City area."

THE plan includes:

� 605 residential units - a mix of apartments
� 15,000 sq ft. of light industry
� 7,000 sq ft of own door offices
� a museum expected to be focused on the history of the linen industry
� a riverside bar/restaurant
� a gym, cr�che, caf� and tourist related retail uses
� restoration/replacement of canal and river bridges
� community meeting rooms

Ulster Star
09/11/2007