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19/05/2010
Stalled Maze Project Costs Over £12M
Close to £12.5m has been spent on redeveloping the site of the former Maze Prison, it has emerged.
Since its final closure, a planned development corporation was supposed to consider options regarding the future of the site, but that hasn't happened.
That's even though, in 2009, the then Sports Minister Gregory Campbell decided against building a multi-sports stadium there, (architect's image pictured above).
Even at that stage, more than £350,000 had already been spent simply maintaining the listed buildings on the site.
Now, with no final decision yet made on a future home for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society's annual Balmoral Show - there is outrage this week over the cash already spent on the former Co Antrim internment camp.
The figure was uncovered by Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn, on foot of a question to the First and Deputy First Ministers' office at Stormont.
The MLA was concerned that plans to turn the area into a new multi sports stadium were scrapped last year - and a scheme to move the Balmoral Show to the site has also been stalled - with the show staying in south Belfast until at least 2012.
Over £3.5m was spent on consultancy fees alone for this project and are included in the total spend.
Mr Lunn said: "I think it's just an accumulation of different items over a period of years but my main concern is the lack of product.
"In April last year we were told a new body - the Maze Development Corporation - was being set up by the First and Deputy First Ministers' Office," Mr Lunn indicated, "but has not yet been formed - 13 months on. I want them to get on with it," he said.
The original Maze Prison buildings are already enjoying 'listed status', as announced by the NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots in February.
Mr Poots said that an Environment Agency review concluded that the buildings on the site merit such protection.
That's even though many unionists are unhappy about the listing of the Maze structures, suggesting that the site may become a shrine to the republican hunger strikers that died in the jail in 1981.
Republicans, however, have argued that the jail represents an important part of Irish history and suggested that the site become a conflict transformation centre.
See: Maze Prison Retains Listed Status
(BMcC/GK)
Since its final closure, a planned development corporation was supposed to consider options regarding the future of the site, but that hasn't happened.
That's even though, in 2009, the then Sports Minister Gregory Campbell decided against building a multi-sports stadium there, (architect's image pictured above).
Even at that stage, more than £350,000 had already been spent simply maintaining the listed buildings on the site.
Now, with no final decision yet made on a future home for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society's annual Balmoral Show - there is outrage this week over the cash already spent on the former Co Antrim internment camp.
The figure was uncovered by Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn, on foot of a question to the First and Deputy First Ministers' office at Stormont.
The MLA was concerned that plans to turn the area into a new multi sports stadium were scrapped last year - and a scheme to move the Balmoral Show to the site has also been stalled - with the show staying in south Belfast until at least 2012.
Over £3.5m was spent on consultancy fees alone for this project and are included in the total spend.
Mr Lunn said: "I think it's just an accumulation of different items over a period of years but my main concern is the lack of product.
"In April last year we were told a new body - the Maze Development Corporation - was being set up by the First and Deputy First Ministers' Office," Mr Lunn indicated, "but has not yet been formed - 13 months on. I want them to get on with it," he said.
The original Maze Prison buildings are already enjoying 'listed status', as announced by the NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots in February.
Mr Poots said that an Environment Agency review concluded that the buildings on the site merit such protection.
That's even though many unionists are unhappy about the listing of the Maze structures, suggesting that the site may become a shrine to the republican hunger strikers that died in the jail in 1981.
Republicans, however, have argued that the jail represents an important part of Irish history and suggested that the site become a conflict transformation centre.
See: Maze Prison Retains Listed Status
(BMcC/GK)
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03 February 2012
Maze Centre EU Funding Welcomed
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site.
Maze Centre EU Funding Welcomed
Lagan Valley Alliance MLA Trevor Lunn has welcomed news that EU funding has been approved for the conflict resolution centre at the Maze site. Trevor has long campaigned for swift progress on redeveloping the site.
08 February 2010
Maze Prison Retains Listed Status
A controversial former Co Antrim prison facility is to be further protected. The Maze Prison buildings are to keep listed status, NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots has announced. Last year, Mr Poots' predecessor Sammy Wilson asked officials for permission to revoke the listed status given to the Maze hospital and part of the H-Blocks.
Maze Prison Retains Listed Status
A controversial former Co Antrim prison facility is to be further protected. The Maze Prison buildings are to keep listed status, NI Environment Minister, Edwin Poots has announced. Last year, Mr Poots' predecessor Sammy Wilson asked officials for permission to revoke the listed status given to the Maze hospital and part of the H-Blocks.
30 October 2006
Demolition of Maze prison begins
The former Maze/Long Kesh prison is being demolished today in a move to clear the from the 360 acre site, with the process starting with the demolishion of the former internment compound.
Demolition of Maze prison begins
The former Maze/Long Kesh prison is being demolished today in a move to clear the from the 360 acre site, with the process starting with the demolishion of the former internment compound.
04 January 2013
Maze Site Set For Balmoral Show
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has approved plans to build new showgrounds at the Maze site in time for the Balmoral Show to take place in May. Alex Attwood said: "The Balmoral Show is an important event within Northern Ireland's calendar.
Maze Site Set For Balmoral Show
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has approved plans to build new showgrounds at the Maze site in time for the Balmoral Show to take place in May. Alex Attwood said: "The Balmoral Show is an important event within Northern Ireland's calendar.
19 May 2008
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
RUAS Eyes-Up Maze For 'Balmoral' Show
Last week's highly successful Royal Ulster Agricultural Society 'Balmoral Show' may have been the last to be held at the historic south Belfast location.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
