Hilden School in Lisburn has stood derelict since closing its doors in 2006 but — thanks to the efforts of nearby residents and the local authority — it will now enjoy a bright future as a community hub.
The former school, set up in 1912 to educate the children of workers in nearby Hilden Mill, now boasts tea rooms, a day care centre and a museum dedicated to showcasing its rich history.
Inside the newly renovated Hilden School, Lisburn
Paul Givan described the site as a landmark feature in the city at an official re-launch.
“It served the working people in Hilden Mill and the mill paid for and built the school, but it has been derelict for a number of years,” he said.
“Now it has been re-purposed with a £2m investment from the council, Heritage Lottery and other funding groups within our community. It has been brought back to life. It’s now going to be used for providing early years care, something I very much encourage.
“What we have here is the vision of the local community. The building was becoming a blight on the community.
“They have restored it, saved the history and heritage of the school and they’ve also given a future. Over 50 really young children will be back here in early years care and that’s something to be delighted about.”
The project is the result of an investment campaign led by the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in partnership with the local Resurgam Trust supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Tim Mitchell, chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee at the Council recalled seeing the building slowly deteriorate since 2008.
Education Minister Paul Givan.
“I know myself, driving past, it had got into a state of disrepair,” he said.
“The council purchased the building in 2016 and what we have now is a fantastic investment in the local community.
“It’s been lovingly restored inside. If anyone had seen the pictures of it when the council first took it over they would appreciate the absolutely fantastic job that’s been done to get it to this stage, ready to open once again to serve the local community.”
Zoe Temple and her daughter Rebecca Smyth have lived in Hilden for over 20 years and are delighted to see the building restored to it’s former glory.
“This is going to be a big help for us with the childcare facility for my grandson Tommy,” said Zoe.
Rebecca Smyth (left) with her son Tommy and mother Zoe Temple at the Hilden School building as it reopened after a £2m renovation project
“It was horrible seeing this place lying empty and unused. It’s great to see the old features of the building still there. I can remember when it closed and to see some of the old features, the school bell, is great.
“It’s a real boost for young families in the area to have a new childcare facility.”
Albert Dalzell had a special reason for being at the re-opening as it’s where he was a school pupil more than half a century ago.
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“I started here when I was seven,” he said. “I grew up in the area, my mum went to work in Hilden Mill. I had the best time growing up in this area.
“We all played on these streets, all went to this school with it’s toilets outside against the back wall. The people who lived around here were like one big family.
“Now it’s again somewhere that young kids can come and begin their school days again in early years care.”
Albert Dalzell was a pupil at the original Hilden School.
Mr Dalzell expressed hope that his own grandkids can avail of the day care service “and enjoy the same sort of times that I did”.
“This building means so much to the people of this community. It has a history and that will always be there now so that’s superb,” he added.
“I can remember being seven and not being able to push the heavy old doors open they were so big. It’s such a change now!”
Now completed, the project will be bringing 25 new jobs to the area and it’s hoped the building will also be used as a training centre for those seeking a career in childcare.