The minister announced the Department of the Environment would assume ownership of the Sion Mills Stables, which date back to the 1880's, through a compulsory vesting order following the collapse of its clock tower last week.
Under a two phase approach to secure the site an Urgent Works Notice is to be served on the owner of the historic Sion Mills stables by the end of this week, specifying the works that are urgently required for the preservation of the building.
Secondly, the compulsory acquisition process is to be completed by the publication of the Notice of Making of the Vesting Order on 19 June 2008.
The Minister said: “I am aware of the condition of this building, the recent collapse of the clock tower and the desire among local people to see the stables preserved for future generations to enjoy. I am very keen to bring the acquisition process quickly to a conclusion.
"Seven days after the Urgent Works Notice has been served on the owner my Department will move in to secure the building and help protect it from any further deterioration. Alongside of this, I have instructed that the Vesting Order be made so that the building will come into the ownership and protection of my Department, while we work with our partners to secure its longer term future.”
Mr Wilson added: “I am grateful for the cooperation of Strabane District Council, other statutory bodies, and our partners in the built heritage voluntary sector for their support and concern for this building.”
Notes To Editors:
- The Stable Block in Sion Mills is listed and features on the Built Heritage at Risk (NI) Register compiled by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, who describe its degree of risk as ‘critical’.
- A Notice of Making of the Vesting Order will be published in the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, News Letter and the Strabane Chronicle on 19 June 2008.
- The building will come into the ownership of the Department of the Environment one month after the date of publication.
- Authority to serve an Urgent Works Notice is provided by Article 80 of the Planning (NI) Order 1991.
- Compulsory acquisition powers are provided by Article 109 of the same Order.
- The Department hopes to transfer ownership of the building to Hearth – a building preservation trust with a proven track record in dealing with buildings at risk – in order to secure its long term future.
- For further media information, please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
