Office makeover for NI linen mill

The listed building was once a thriving linen mill

A former linen mill has been been given a new lease life as office space for new industries in Northern Ireland.

The Lanyon Building on the site of the old Jennymount Mill off York Road in Belfast was officially re-opened on Friday by the Social Development Minister Nigel Dodds.

The seven-storey listed redbrick building, was converted in the £2.75m project, which the minister hailed as a massive vote of confidence in the north of the city.

"As most people will be aware the north Belfast area has suffered from conflict, unemployment and poor infrastructure over the last 30 years," he said.

Nigel Dodds: "This development is a massive vote of confidence in north Belfast"

"The resultant negative effect can make it difficult to attract business investment.

"This presents a major challenge not only to the people who live and work in the area but to all of us.

"I believe we can all rise to the challenge if we follow the example of how this magnificent building has been restored to its former glory."

Mr Dodds said the development was part of an overall effort to improve life in the area.

The local community is engaged in a range of schemes incluing housing strategy, urban regenaration and the North Belfast Community Action Project.

The minister added: "I have also recently launched for public consultation the Belfast Regeneration Office's draft strategy for tackling disadvantage and regenerating some of Belfast's most deprived communities and neighbourhoods.

"The new strategy represents a fundamental shift towards a needs driven and knowledge led approach with an emphasis on partnership and collaborative working."