Turley Associates appointed to develop Maze Long Kesh Framework

Press release: 6 May 2011

The Belfast office of planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates has been appointed to develop a Spatial Framework for the 347 acre Maze Long Kesh (MLK) site near Lisburn. The Belfast and London strategic consulting offices of Colliers International have been appointed to develop the related Delivery and Implementation Plan.

This extensive site has a long and important history going back to the Second World War when it was used as an RAF and US Army Air Force (USAAF) airfield. Following the war it was used as a motor racing circuit. During more recent times it was used as an internment camp and prison. These uses ceased in 2000, with some of the prison buildings being listed and some of the former airfield buildings designated as 'Scheduled' monuments. The site is now owned in its entirety by the Office for the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMDFM). Regeneration is being taken forward by a Programme Delivery Unit pending the establishment of a new MLK Development Corporation later in the year. Kyle Alexander, the former chief executive of the successful Laganside Corporation in Belfast, is currently the Programme Director.

The Spatial Framework will be prepared over the summer and autumn, working closely with a number of stakeholders.

Diana Fitzsimons, Office Director at Turley Associates in Belfast said: "We are delighted to win this project, which is probably the most exciting regeneration scheme in Northern Ireland and one that will attract the world's attention. We have put together a great team and will build on our experience in developing spatial frameworks for Titanic Quarter, Blaris and North Foreshore."

Turley Associates is one of the leading independent planning and urban design consultancies in Northern Ireland, with a team of 14 in its Belfast office.

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About Turley Associates
Turley Associates is the UK's leading independent planning and urban design consultancy. The company operates from 10 offices - London, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast - and has market leading expertise in planning, urban design, masterplanning, sustainability and heritage. The company has a strong reputation in the residential, retail, infrastructure, energy, health, education, sports and leisure, waste, minerals and mining and financial sectors.