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.

Speaking from the site, the Minister responsible for the complex, David Hanson said: “The demolition of the Maze/Long Kesh, leaving only those former prison buildings which have been given statutory protection, marks a further step towards achieving the goal of a new future for the site, a future that can be shared by the whole community.

“The Maze/Long Kesh has long been associated with conflict. Clearing the site will be part of the mission to transform it into a symbol of economic and social regeneration, renewal and growth.

“I believe it is very important to get the private sector involved in the vast potential for developing the site. I therefore particularly want developers and investors to see and experience the vast size of this site, and the opportunities it offers.”

The demolition of the site follows on from the Maze/Long Kesh Masterplan proposals announced by Mr Hanson in May this year.

He added: “The proposals for the Maze/Long Kesh site represent a fantastic opportunity to showcase internationally all that is best in Northern Ireland in terms of regeneration, sharing the future and conflict transformation. The work that has begun today brings us closer to those aspirations.”

The Maze/Long Kesh Monitoring Group also welcomed the announcement, and the Chair of the Group, Mr Edwin Poots MLA said: “Today’s events at the site signify a clear demonstration that the Maze/Long Kesh proposals are gathering further momentum and represent a major step forward to reshape this site, and at the same time contributing to the growth of the whole region.”

The Vice Chair, Mr Paul Butler added: “There is a great symbolic importance in what we are doing today. The listed prison buildings can play a huge role in the transformation from conflict to peace, and the cleared area of the site can in addition provide for the substantial economic and social regeneration set out in the Masterplan vision and agreed by the main political parties.”

Demolition of the entire site will take over a year and will adhere to sustainability principles, including the recycling of concrete which will be crushed and reused as aggregate in any new construction. The second phase of the demolition will begin early 2007 and will involve the clearance of the cellular section of the former prison.

As part of the programme of works being carried out at the site a number of measures to prevent deterioration and assist preservation will also be undertaken to those buildings listed by the Environment and Heritage Service.

(EF)