By Conor Sharkey
THE historic Sion Mills stables is set to get a new lease of life, after Environment Minister Arlene Foster said she is determined not to let the listed building deteriorate beyond repair.
The Minister pledged to preserve the stables during a tour of Herdman's Mill recently.
During her visit, Mrs Foster met with the Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust to hear proposals for the future of the former mill complex, which has been earmarked for new retail and business units and living and work spaces.
The stables are currently in the possession of Rev John Withy who acquired the 50-bedroom Zion House and land from a member of the Herdman family in 1967.
While the building has fallen into serious dilapidation in recent years, it now appears that at least part of the village's heritage will be revived.
Speaking during her Sion Mills visit, Mrs Foster said: "The proposals for Herdman's Mill will provide a much needed boost for Sion Mills, and will regenerate, through careful restoration, a group of very important listed buildings.
"With regard to the Stable block building, I understand the concern about the condition of this listed building. My Department is doing all it can to complete the compulsory purchase procedure so that ownership may be transferred to one of our partners in the voluntary sector - an experienced building preservation trust.
"This is the first time my Department has used these powers and I hope this compulsory acquisition will highlight to owners my determination to ensure that Northern Ireland's important and vulnerable built heritage is cared for," she said.
When fully restored and converted, the existing Herdman's mill buildings worthy of retention will provide social and community facilities, which will act as a new focal centre to the village and surrounding area. It is understood that the cost of the restoration will be met by the provision of apartments in the upper floors of the Mill buildings and by new housing to the north and south of the Mill. A new hotel will be built at the southern end of the site adjoining the weir.
With regards to the stable block, it is yet unclear how much the regeneration project will cost or what time frame has been put in place for completion.
Current owner Rev Withy refused to comment on the fact that he may be forced to hand over the stables to the government, however Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust spokesperson Celia Ferguson welcomed the forced acquisition.
"Absolutely, I think it would be wonderful for the village if the stable block was restored because it has become an eyesore and a hazard for the people of Sion," she said.
