MAZE/LONG KESH MASTERPLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FINAL REPORT MAY 2006 executive summary INTRODUCTION The development of the International Centre for • Bring forward innovative and sustainable Conflict Transformation including the listed prison development proposals to meet social and A Masterplan and Implementation Strategy buildings offers a practical opportunity to those economic regeneration and equality objectives; has been prepared for the development of the seeking assistance in establishing a conflict resolution Maze/ Long Kesh site. It provides a fully integrated • Link individual projects and sites through the process in their own country by drawing on the provision of necessary infrastructure, strategic framework for development that takes into account the experience and history of the peace process. recommendations of the cross-party Maze Consultation landscaping and high quality public realm; Panel, key individual project requirements and site wide The development of the Maze/ Long Kesh also • Prepare a creative and deliverable Masterplan transport and utilities infrastructure needs. offers the potential for the region to participate with genuine capacity to develop and regenerate as hosts in the Football Tournament in the 01 The report and its recommendations are purely the Maze/Long Kesh site and secure the long Olympic and Paralympic Games but this would be term aspirations for the area. advisory and convey no intention on the part of dependent on progressing scheme development government to accept all or part of the outline plan and securing necessary approvals within a tightly envisaged in this document. Rather the report presents defined timescale. KEY ISSUES a set of proposals for consideration by government, subject to all due diligence and the application of Our overall vision for the site is: The baseline studies have highlighted a range of statutory processes should it wish to pursue the constraints and opportunities. The Masterplan executive summary ‘a development of regional significance regeneration of the site on this basis. The proposals seeks to address these constraints and to capitalise and recommendations set out in the report are the with a vibrant and successful mix upon the opportunities. responsibility of the masterplanning consortium of uses which builds on the area’s and do not purport to represent in any way the significant historic, strategic and CONSTRAINTS views of individual government departments or the environmental assets and creates a government. The costings are indicative only and are A combination of constraints has been identified masterplan & implementation strategy all subject to more detailed appraisal. The publication distinctive destination offering a range of which would influence the development mix of this report does not bind any government body to opportunities for the whole community’. and quantum and timescale for development, any financial undertaking or commitment. particularly in relation to current planning policy The Masterplan builds on the work of the cross- and infrastructure capacity. The development of the Maze/Long Kesh former party Maze Consultation Panel which recommended prison and security site is being considered under the that the Government bring forward innovative and • Whilst development of regional significance Reinvestment and Reform Initiative (RRI). Regeneration sustainable development proposals to provide an would be acceptable in accordance with the Draft of the site offers the potential to bring significant internationally recognisable physical expression of Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP), there is long term social and economic benefits to the whole the ongoing transformation from conflict to peace a presumption against other development. Any community. The overall objective is to provide a and to provide an inclusive, shared resource. The significant housing development might only be physical expression of the ongoing transformation Masterplan seeks to: acceptable in the longer term depending on from conflict to peace and to provide an inclusive and the outcome of a formal review of the housing shared resource for the whole community. indicators in the Regional Development Strategy (RDS) and a mid-term review of BMAP. This there are mature trees on the site which should would impact on potential land uses in the be retained; current plan period to 015; • The site has a significant visual impact, especially ESH • Redevelopment could result in the displacement from the south, on near, medium-distance and K of development from other areas. It would far views. The Masterplan would be required to ONG be necessary to ensure that development is minimise impacts of new development on the /L complementary and would not prejudice regional landscape; and AZE M development objectives as set out in the RDS; • Noise pollution and air quality due to proximity • Existing infrastructure and services serving of the motorway would restrict development the site are at capacity and there would be a opportunities on the southern edge of the site. requirement for significant investment in new infrastructure provision; OPPORTUNITIES • There is limited road access and a current lack of public transport services to the site. Significant A number of opportunities are presented by the investment in new transport infrastructure would site due principally to its strategic location, size and be required to accommodate site development; relationship to the wider area. executive summary • There is currently a lack of critical mass within • The site is identified as a site of regional the local population to ensure the viability of significance. The RDS seeks to facilitate community facilities; development projects which would enhance the external competitive advantage of the region • Listed prison buildings and structures, because and to accommodate economic development of of their fixed position, would constrain site regional or sub-regional significance; masterplan & implementation strategy layout and access. It would be necessary for the Masterplan to integrate the listed prison buildings • There is the opportunity to incorporate an element and to provide an appropriate setting for them of appropriate enabling development in the period up to 015 (say in the region of 00 residential • There is some limited ground contamination and units). It would also be possible to look at a phased a requirement for appropriate site remediation; development of the site in the context of future • The proximity of the River Lagan and surface plan review beyond 015, subject of course to the waste drainage would be important in relation relevant planning context that applies at that time; to dealing with run-off and water treatment; • Provision for local enterprise, knowledge and • Whilst generally there is a lack of natural features, high-tech could diversify the industrial and commercial provision and contribute to regional green spaces for wildlife habitats and leisure uses; development objectives; • The visual appearance of the site could be • Development provides the potential to promote significantly improved through sensitive access to new social and economic opportunities development and landscaping which takes into on the site for nearby deprived urban communities, account views of the site, particularly from the Twinbrook, Seymour Hill, Poleglass, Knockmore, area of special landscape value. Lagmore and Old Warren; A number of issues have been highlighted during • The listed prison buildings provide the potential consultation with key stakeholders and prospective to build on the historical significance of the site occupiers. These issues are addressed in the and to create a unique environment; Masterplan and include: • The site provides the potential to create a new • Provision of necessary transport infrastructure focus for community integration in accordance to ensure site is accessible - this is a key strategic objectives; consideration in attracting potential investors, • Redevelopment could expand and diversify the occupiers and visitors to the site; executive summary area’s commercial, leisure, tourism and cultural • Need to maximise shared use of facilities and provision in accordance with the objectives set out parking provision - this would improve scheme in the RDS. Cultural links to other amenities and viability and sustainability of uses and create a to Hillsborough, Lisburn and Greater Belfast along more active and vibrant destination; the Lagan would support potential tourist uses; • Site operation and management - there would • The provision of new road infrastructure and be a requirement to create income streams to masterplan & implementation strategy public transport facilities could have benefits secure the financing of key site functions. for the wider population and integrate the development with the wider area; EVOLUTION OF THE MASTERPLAN • The site provides the potential for the promotion of sustainable development including sustainable Preparation of the Masterplan has been guided by drainage systems, water treatment, renewable the following key strategic objectives: energy production and sustainable construction • To capitalise on the strategic location and unique methods, including the potential utilisation of assets of the site and maximise regional benefits; the acquifer under the site; • To promote development of regional significance • The site’s current low ecological value could be which would act as a catalyst