BB anchors its headquarters to Hillsborough

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Uel Mackin and Alderman James Tinsley, have welcomed the news.

The headquarters will be located at the former Newport Primary School.

Mr Jonathan Gracey, Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Northern Ireland, already has plans approved for the refurbishment of the building to create a new facility for the Boys’ Brigade and work on site will commence as soon as funding is fully in place.

Mr Mackin, a long-term Boys’ Brigade officer and member said: “The project has moved very quickly from purchase of the property, design of refurbishment required and through the planning process.

“I am very pleased with how it has been managed by the applicant and the Planning Service.

“All the issues were thoroughly discussed during the pre-application process and that is how it should be.

“The outcome of a very smooth streamlined process is very positive and a good example of how planning applications can be managed.”

Mr Tinsley said: “I understand the Boys’ Brigade headquarters were previously based in Larne so we are delighted that Hillsborough has been chosen as the new venue.

“The building’s location provides very good access to the transport network and I think the area will greatly benefit from such a prestigious organisation moving in.

Mr Gracey added, “Our plans will include upgrading the building for offices, meeting rooms, training areas, a residential centre, a games area and space to host conferences, befitting a modern headquarters facility.

“Of course this will take some time and we have plenty of fundraising and work to do to get our plans under way.

“We are delighted to make Hillsborough our new home.”