Conway Mill was formally an old flax spinning mill owned by one of Belfast’s linen barons and is a product of both the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Located just off the Lower Falls Road it consists of two main mill blocks (with four/five levels) and four outbuildings (with two levels) comprising a total of 93,270 sq. ft. It represents one of the few Mills left in Belfast and is Grade B listed.
The works consisted of the extensive refurbishment of the buildings to create Arts & Crafts workspaces, enterprise units, display & exhibition spaces, an adult education centre and offices for small businesses, community & cultural organisations. New staircases and a lift allow access throughout the building. The design process involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, Heritage Lottery Fund, NIEA Historic Buildings Branch, and the construction work was carefully planned and phased to minimize disruption to the tenants (parts of the building remained occupied during construction).
Conway Mill is a significant landmark building within West Belfast and is a much loved and cherished community asset and focal. The key aims of the project were fully realised as follows:
