Ulster Architectural Heritage is very concerned at the news of a planning application submitted to Lisburn and Castlereagh Council by agents acting for PJK Developments, to demolish most of the listed buildings on the Hilden Mill/Barbour Threads site.
Unfortunately, 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.
The term ‘world class’ is often overused for underwhelming new development in NI. Historically Northern Ireland’s industrial might and skills were not only genuinely world class but were also world renowned. The responsible authorities and elected representatives have shamefully neglected their duty of care, and shown no realistic regard, for the strategic future wellbeing and prosperity, that preserved and repurposed industrial heritage generates world wide.
Hilden Mill/Barbour Threads has been at considerable risk for two decades under several different ownerships. That the home of this acclaimed world class manufacturer with all its history, its industrial architecture and its tangible tribute to generations of skilled workers, was allowed to deteriorate to what local councillors across NI, typically and conveniently dismiss as just an ’eyesore’, is a sad illustration of systemic failure.
As successful UAH judicial reviews have reinforced, ‘financial inviability’ resulting from long term neglect by all concerned is not a material planning consideration when it comes to listed buildings and there are clear paths which must be followed regarding, including, ultimately, sale at current market value allowing for the cost of repairs..
Today’s announcement from the Stormont Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, on rates is relevant to Hilden and other listed properties land-banked by developers over long periods.
Recent media reports highlighted the amount of rates relief that the stalled Tribeca development has attracted. UAH has been advocating for years that the 100% rates relief available for empty listed buildings must be subject to the building being insured. Given the almost total lack of support for listed building owners, this relief is very valuable for ‘genuine’ owners involved in maintaining and restoring listed buildings, but should not facilitate owners who land-bank listed property and turn a blind eye to the neglect, fire and vandalism that so often destroys these unique buildings eating away Northern Ireland’s historic character and sense of place and the benefits it generates to society and the economy.
UAH asks the following questions and hopes the local press, media and elected representatives will follow up:
1/ Was Hilden Mill insured?
2/ How much in rates has been paid to Land and Property Services since closure?
3/ Why have Urgent Works Notices not been served on successive owners?
4/ What steps have the PSNI taken to identify and apprehend the arsonists, given that it is far from easy to comprehensively burn an empty mill building, and way beyond the capability of casual vandalism?
5/ Why is there no outcry or meaningful action from the assembly at the ongoing cumulative loss of Northern Ireland’s built and industrial heritage assets?
UAH trusts that Lisburn and Castlereagh Council Planning Committee ensure that all proper process will be followed and looks forward to reading strong statements from our new Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons and Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald.
