By Conor Sharkey

A VILLAGE within a village will be created at Sion Mills if multi-million pound redevelopment plans for Herdman's Mill get the go-ahead, the Strabane Chronicle has learned.

Blueprints for a hotel, private housing and shops were presented to local politicians and community representatives during two closed meetings last Thursday.

A timeframe for the massively ambitious regeneration programme is as yet unclear, however it is known that plans for some of the development have already been submitted to the Planning Service.

Behind the development is Herdman Holdings Ltd, headed by managing director Neville Orr. The firm has been working closely with a team of English architects over the past 18 months drawing up the plans.

During Thursday's meeting, invitees were shown blueprints for two new roads which will lead to the former spinning mill from the main A5 Strabane to Omagh road.

There, the buildings which once provided employment to more than 600 people but today lie dormant and derilict, will be transformed into an eco-friendly hub of tourism, employment and community.

Plans show that if the development goes ahead, some minor mill buildings will be demolished to make way for car parking, while the bowling green will be also be moved. The local soccer pitches will remain almost intact as will the Sion Mills cricket pitch.

Other top of the range sporting facilities would also be developed, while facilities such as a library, health centre and even a nursing home have been suggested for the massive site.

News of these proposed developments will come as a major boost to the people of an area which has witnessed the closure of several vital facilities, including its health centre, in recent years. And while the locals will no doubt benefit greatly, the village could also become a tourism Mecca, with plans for a 70-room hotel, complete with swimming pool and leisure centre, also on the table. If it gets the nod from the Planning Service, it could generate hundreds of much needed jobs and millions of pounds in revenue for the picturesque village.

Keeping with the almost futuristic nature of the proposed developments, it is understood much of the project will be powered by harnassing power from the nearby river and the sun.

One of those granted access to the Mill plans was the chairman of Strabane District Council Jarlath McNulty.

"As Council chairman, I have to say I was very impressed by the plans, which were very well thought out and presented.

"If the plans reach fruition, they will create employment, provide housing and bring new sporting facilities. Plans also show that the homes will be totally eco-friendly, something I would fully support.

"These are very ambitious proposals and while plans are plans, it is about putting them on the ground and making them a reality.

"But I am in no doubt that if these plans do reach fruition, this development would be a massive boost for Sion Mills and indeed the District," Mr McNulty said.

It is understood that the plans for the Mill will be presented to Strabane District Council in full in September.