Home | Heritage at Risk in Northern Ireland

Heritage at Risk(v1.0)

03/05/2013 00:00:00

HB Ref No:
HB19/19/003

Address
MILL (CHARLEY'S BLEACHWORKS) KILMAKEE DUNMURRY CO.ANTRIM

Townland:

Status:
Currently at Risk

Listing Grade:
B1/IA

HARNI Number:
HARNI 19/19/001

Conservation Area:
No

Condition:
Poor

Industrial Archeology:

Occupancy:
Vacant

Vernacular:

Degree of Risk:
Moderate

Thatched:
No

Availability:
Unavailable

Monument:

Current Building Use:
Mill

Derelict:

Description

Planning permission for the demolition of this substantial industrial complex was refused in 2004 (a decision which was subsequently upheld at appeal). However, the two principal structures; a three-storey, ten-bay sandstone building, flanked by a smaller blackstone building, are still in need of a long-term use. Their importance to the industrial history of Northern Ireland is reflected in their listing record, which considers the complex “representative of the major development which took place in the Lagan Valley in the 19th century.” When reviewed in March 2019 the building is showing increased signs of deterioration particularly in terms of broken windows and vegetation growth growing across the stone work. The mill is a key focal point in the industrial estate which is increasingly busy. A number of similarly sized mill buildings have been successfully adapted to new uses for example mixed use apartments with shops, offices and cafes. It is imperative that similar creativity is applied to this complex. Refs: MBR