Primary school gets new 'sense of purpose' as community hub

Margaret Hanthorne began teaching at the school in 1972

The renovation of a primary school into a community hub has brought a new "sense of purpose", a former teacher has said.

Hilden Primary School in Lisburn was built for the children of Hilden Mill workers in 1912 but it closed in 2008 and the Grade B1 listed building fell into disrepair.

Margaret Hanthorne who worked on the project described it as "a bit like a pipe dream".

After an investment of £2 million, the new hub provides employment for 20 staff at its day care and tea room.

Ms Hanthorne began working at the school in 1972, she recalls a school filled with laughter, fun and good memories.

The primary one teacher said there was a sense of community created by the school but numbers dwindled over the years before the school closure in 2008.

How Hilden School looked c 1920

A year ago, she found out that the school was finally going to be refurbished and got involved in the planning.

"It was a bit like a pipe dream and you can't believe it's happening until you actually see it happen," she said.

"When I heard those children's voices this morning it brought me back...the laughter, the singing, it had a sense of purpose. It was lovely."

Hilden School is a Grade B1 listed building

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan said those involved had "a vision for bringing the building back to life to save the important heritage" and he was delighted the space will be useful for generations.

Councillor Tim Mitchell said the investment had been "well spent".

"It's a powerful example of how we can preserve the past while creating opportunity for the future," he said.

One of the classrooms in the newly refurbished Hilden School

The project was led by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in partnership with the Resurgam Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Dr Sally Montgomery from the National Lottery Heritage Fund sees the project as special because the community are "passionate about their heritage".

"A building that was at risk is now being repurposed with a lovely nursery and tea room that the community will really value."

Lisburn Museum have also developed an exhibition at the site and will deliver an annual programme of cultural and heritage events.

The new tea room at Hilden School

The refurbished building is just a stones throw from Hilden Mill whish has been a listed building since 1989.

The have been several redevelopment proposals put forward since its closure in 2006.

However, the site has been subject to vandalism and arson attacks and the site lies in ruins.

The mill is owned by PJK Developments who had an application to demolish part of the listed building turned down by Lisburn City Council in July 2025.

Hilden Mill lies in ruins since 2006

Paul Givan said the mill is a "blight on the community" but has an "important history" adding that a way needs to be found to develop that.

Meanwhile, Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler sees the school as an example of when "we get it right" and said the link between the mill and the school as "intrinsic."