Another wall comes down

The physical transformation of the Maze/Long Kesh site from conflict to peace took another major step forward today with the start of demolition of the exterior prison wall.

The Minister responsible for the site, the Rt Hon David Hanson MP said there was added symbolism in today’s event because of what happened exactly one week ago.

He said: “Last Monday a political wall came down, bringing with it a new start to life in Northern Ireland with a new Assembly and power sharing Executive. Today we are taking down a physical wall that will open the way to an iconic development that will also be shared by all the people here.

“This site has a long association with conflict. Clearing the site will transform it into a symbol of economic and social regeneration, renewal and growth and is a physical demonstration of the movement from conflict to peace.”

The demolition of the site is part of the Maze Masterplan announced by Mr Hanson in May 2006.

David Hanson added: “The proposals for the Maze/Long Kesh site represent a unique opportunity to demonstrate to the world all that is best in Northern Ireland in terms of regeneration, sharing the future and conflict transformation. But the final decisions about the future of the Maze/Long Kesh site will be taken by the new Executive and that is how it must and should be.”

The Maze/Long Kesh Monitoring Group welcomed the further clearance on the site.

The Chair of the Group, Mr Edwin Poots MLA said: “The demolition of the former compound prison demonstrates the momentum that the Maze/Long Kesh proposals have gathered and represents a major stage in the preparation for development of the site, which will benefit growth in the region. Today marks the first stage in the removal of the prison wall, which so many of us have seen for decades as we pass along the M1. I look forward to a new skyline as we work to complete the task to transform this place. The retention of the listed buildings whilst significant will be used sensitively in accordance with the Maze Report. They will be neutral, inclusive and constructive.”

The Vice Chair, Mr Paul Butler said: “The demolition of the cages, and now the prison wall, is an important step in the delivery of the Masterplan vision of economic and social regeneration agreed by the main political parties. The proposed future use of the massive land area now being exposed - up to 360 acres - is an exciting prospect. The proposed projects for the new multi-sports stadium and International Centre for Conflict Transformation are of huge significance.”

Notes to Editors

• Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 90 378120.
• Remaining demolition of the entire site will take over a year and will adhere to sustainability principles. This includes the recycling of concrete which will be crushed and reused as aggregate in any new construction. The second phase of the demolition will begin in April 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.
• The Maze Masterplan was announced on 30 May 2006 and copies of the plan can be found on the OFMDFM website .