Blueprint for peace centre
20.8.2006
Thursday, 17 August, 2006
Blueprint for peace centre
Sinn Féin unveils plans for a £10 million centre for conflict transformation on the site of the former Long Kesh prison to help bring about ‘a new beginning’ for the benefit of everyone
By Connla Young
Sinn Féin yesterday unveiled its proposal for a £10 million (€14.8 million) international centre for conflict transformation on the site of the former Long Kesh prison. Prior to the party unveiling the blueprint, Sinn Féin officials met direct-rule minister David Hanson as part of a delegation of the Long Kesh/Maze Monitoring Group.
Lisburn city councillor Paul Butler, who is also vice-chairman of the monitoring group, said every community in the North had a share in the history of the world-famous prison. He rejected claims that it would be turned into a shrine for republicans.
“The history of this site has many sides and is populated by republicans, loyalists, prison wardens, British soldiers, politicians, prime ministers and taoisigh,” he said.
“It is a place associated with the conflict here over the last 30 years, and it mirrored and informed the development of the conflict outside these walls. “Long Kesh is a unique example of international prison history. It was both an icon and a microcosm of the conflict. It is a contested space. It has contested histories and contested policies.
“However, it now provides us with a huge opportunity to bring about a major physical expression of the ongoing transformation from conflict to peace. “Much work has still to be done on how we can bring about the vision we have for this site. The opportunity now exists to open a new chapter on this site.
“That chapter will hopefully be an entirely different one to that which has gone before. For our part, Sinn Féin wants to see and help bring about a new beginning to this site, whereby all of the community can reap the benefit.” It is estimated that more than 200,000 people in the North have a direct connection with the former prison. Earlier this year, the British government confirmed that a state-of-the-art stadium would be located at the site.
As part of a deal hammered out by political representatives, a portion of the old prison and the hospital wing will be retained and converted into a conflict transformation centre. Mr Butler said he would be happy to meet any unionists who had concerns about the project.
Mr Hanson yesterday said he had agreed a number of key appointments to take the Long Kesh development forward.
“The monitoring group has today endorsed the appointment of Deloitte Touche to undertake the preparation of a business plan for the International Centre for Conflict Transformation, PricewaterhouseCoopers to conclude a business plan for the multisports stadium, and RPS to advise on site preparation, planning application preparation, transport assessment and design and environmental studies. Deloitte Touche will also prepare the value-for-money business case for the site,” he said.
He also confirmed that a separate announcement would be made shortly regarding the stadium design competition.sion of the ongoing transformation from conflict to peace. “Much work has still to be done on how we can bring about the vision we have for this site. The opportunity now exists to open a new chapter on this site.
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