Plan to revitalise historic Lisburn site revealed

At a meeting of City Council's Planning Committee, representatives from Lough Development revealed their plans for the Castle Buildings at the junction of Railway Street and Castle Street.

The development includes new heritage shop fronts, in keeping with the historical significance of the area, as well as 50,000 square foot of office space.

The scheme was welcomed by members of the committee, who asked questions about the development, including the height of the mill which originally stood on the site and the arrangements that would be made for the existing retailers.

In response to the members' questions Michael Martin from Halliday Fraser Munro Architects said the original mill was four and a half stories high, that the new development would include a new storey, bringing it to a similar height as the mill and that car parking would be provided on site.

Joe Tumelty from Lough Developments added: "We don't want to be putting people out of the area. We will be trying to place them temporarily into other phases of the development and then move them back again when work is complete."

Welcoming the Historic Quarter scheme, Alderman Jim Dillon said: "This is exactly what the city centre of Lisburn needs. It needs a boost and a refurbishment."

The Mayor, Councillor Allan Ewart, commented: "This is good news and the number of jobs that could be created is to be welcomed."

Chairman of Lisburn City Council's Economic Development Committee, Councillor Jenny Palmer, said she was "very pleased by what I have seen of the scheme. It can only enhance that area of the city."

Alderman Edwin Poots welcomed the development, and in particular the office space which will be provided in the city centre. "The office development proposed in this application will provide a huge potential for job creation within the city centre," said Mr Poots.

"It has been the focus of the Council and other organisations that Lisburn brings more jobs to the city centre and is less reliant on its retail business for job creation.

"I warmly welcome this proposal in that it uses disused backlands which can make a signifcant difference to the overall health of the Lisburn economy."

Councillor Andrew Ewing added: "Lisburn's main strength is its retail offering and this will only enhance that further."

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