'H' Block 7, Zone J, The former Maze Prison, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

One of three ‘H’ Block cellular units set within its own fenced compound within the Phase 3 area of the prison (Zone J). Similar in form, fabric and layout to H Block 6 (HB19/04/030A) and ‘H’ Block 8 (HB19/04/030C). The detailed exterior description of this building is similar to HB19/04/030A which is reproduced below. This block forms the central of the three, arranged along the southern half of the Zone. Internal roads surround the north, east and west sides with the southern perimeter wall and inertia to its south (HB19/04/030E).

Notable external variations from HB19/04/030A include:

1. The control room antechamber window and roof light are fitted with steel screens

2. Cell 18 was the location of the entrance to the tunnel excavated in the escape attempt of 1997. Externally a tarmac patch can be seen running south from the cell across the exercise yard along the line of the tunnel. A concrete patch can be seen against the outside of the cell.

3. B Wing exercise yard has a Unionist slogan painted across it

The northern Tertiary Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) observation tower is similar in form and appearance to that described for HB19/04/030A, being located on the north side of the fenced enclosure.

The southern Tertiary NIPS observation tower was similar to the northern tower and to those described in HB19/04/030A.

HB19/04/030A:

Single storey grey brick and concrete structure, ‘H’ in plan comprising a central ‘circle’ off of which are four cellular wings, two to north and two to south. The building has a flat roof surmounted by brick enclosed water tank. The building is aligned east west with tarmac hard standing forming and entrance yard (between wings ‘A’ and ‘D’), There is a similar area between wings ‘B’ and ‘C’ and two pairs of exercise yards to the north and south of the cellular wings. Each of these areas is defined by high metal fences of galvanised corrugated steel sheeting over welded mesh panels with razor wire tops. Regular arrangement of ‘street’ lights surmounting fence posts. Vehicle air lock to east from dedicated access road with ornamental flowerbeds. Tall gates of galvanised steel and wire mesh surmounted with mesh above. Pedestrian gates of similar construction to each side.

External elevations are regularly fenestrated with steel framed windows. Inside these are reinforced concrete grilles limiting daylight. Domed skylights to internal corridors. External doors fitted with Steel grille security gates. Later galvanised screens over the central block (‘circle’) windows. ‘Circle’ windows also have concrete grilles. External brick has regular expansion joints. Windows have simple concrete/rendered surround. Large insulated pipes run along the lower part of the north elevation of Wing A and supply hot water from M&E 3 (Mechanical and Elelectrical plant 3) to the H block calorifier.

Main door in centre of east elevation of north south ‘circle’ block range. Doors are timber and fitted with observation window however they were operated in conjunction with outer metal grille doors. Similar secondary doors on western elevation of ‘circle’, opposite the main doors.

Two Tertiary Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) observation towers located centrally along the outer fence, one to north and one to south. The towers are square in plan with the main entrance on the east. Constructed on a frame of tubular steel, the lower part clad with pressed and coated (pale green) steel sheets on the three sides with opaque corrugated plastic sheets on the fourth, away from the H Block Compound. The upper part formed the observation platform which projected over the fence slightly enabling greater sightlines. Each side of the observation room comprised of two panels of glass or Perspex except for the outer face which continued the steel cladding of the tower below. The windows were partially darkened and mirrored by means of an adhesive backing sheet.

Historical information

For general historical background see HB19/04/030.

The H Block and associated observation towers, fences gates and gardens formed one of the three original elements of the Phase 3 Cellular prison, c.1975/6, with later modification. In this respect the history of these buildings is similar to H Block 6 (HB19/04/030A ). However, much of the character of this block stems from the presence of wall art. This building has a heighten historic interest from the 1997 escape attempt where a tunnel was excavated beneath the ‘A’ Wing exercise yard. The escape failed when the tunnel was discovered by a patrol dog.

The building was occupied and served its function until the closure of the prison in 2000.

General History:

The H Block and associated observation towers, fences gates and gardens formed one of the three original elements of the Phase 3 Cellular prison, under construction in April 1977, with little sign of later modification. This formed the 7th H Block to be constructed overall out of 8 in total. The cell blocks were occupied by different paramilitary groups although adjoining blocks were often occupied by members of the same faction when numbers allowed and in this case the two were opened into one by the locking back of the dividing gates. Each cell block became an extension of the factions neighbourhood and was decorated with familiar murals, sometimes including street signs from areas of particular support and paramilitary leaders. A six monthly rotation of the various groups of prisoners between the cell blocks meant that this artwork was painted over before the block could be reoccupied, possibly with a group with wholly opposed views to their predecessors. This was also true of individual cells which were often decorated with wallpaper or paintwork to individual tastes.

The southern and northern observation towers are attributable to a mid 1980’s construction. They were added to reduce staff in the blocks and increase observation of the yards. The dark windows were to minimise staff intimidation.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A standard Maze Cellular H Block which is of interest beyond the majority due to surviving loyalist murals and the physical remains of a 1997 escape attempt. Building is not considered of special architectural and historical interest in regard to the wider legacy of the former prison.