CONWAY MILL, BELFAST
Conway Mill, is an exemplar case study, by ways of highlighting the correct methodology to work in partnership and secure funding. The Prince's Regeneration Trust completed our commitment to this project when its funding package was secure.
The Prince's Regeneration Trust team worked with The Conway Street Community Enterprises Group to find an imaginative regeneration solution for the Grade B2 19th Century flax spinning mill.
Conway Mill is one of the last remaining mill sites in Belfast and is the only one in west Belfast. The mill ceased production in 1975 and the building consequently suffered from neglect and vandalism. The community group acquired the mill for social and economic regeneration, initially using the largely un-restored buildings for new purposes and only raising money for maintenance.
The group was then faced with answering some pretty challenging questions:
- How do you restore a Mill to reflect its historical and industrial importance to the local and wider community?
- How do you ensure that in all aspects of the restoration programme there is recognition of its architectural importance?
- How do you gain commitment to good proactive and direct local participation in the project, so nurturing an interest in the heritage of the area?
- How do you enhance and promote the opportunities and resources for economic, social cultural and educational regeneration for people in the surrounding area?
- How do you ensure a sustainable project which conserves the building for the appreciation of this and future generations?
It was in addressing these and many similar questions, that The Trust team was able to use its many years of experience to help the Community Group construct a regeneration scheme which has to date secured £4.3m for the first stages of regeneration.
