Concrete Perimeter Walls

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A 5.2m high reinforced concrete security wall extending around part of the perimeter of Zones F and J. The wall consist of pre-cast elements with footings extending within the prison. The wall consists of modular blocks stacked two high, The wall is strengthened or Reinforced on one side (external to perimeter wall) by buttresses at the junction of each pre-cast element. The external face of some elements retains a spayed render finish. The only difference between the perimeter walls and the internal walls (i.e. that to the east and south of Zone F) was the internal wall was capped with razor wire and not the tubular copping present on the external walls.

Within the perimeter wall and offset from it are weldmesh fences supported on timber and steel posts which are set into small concrete strip foundations forming sterile areas or inertias. These had been fitted with movement sensors however they have been removed. Inertias are present along the inside of perimeter walls and the dividing walls between Zone F and Zone J.

Within the e South wall between Zone F and Zone J are the main vehicular ‘airlock’ entrances between Zones. These are characterised by weldmesh vehicular and pedestrian fences and doors, controlled hydraulically. Both entrances have movement control towers from where the gates were operated. The towers form Secondary NIPS observation towers comprising steel frame clad in profiled metal sheets with internal ladder access to viewing platform. The walls offer 360 degree views and part cantilever the walls. The towers have lower lean-to’s housing the hydraulics.

Primary army manned watch towers are located on the outside of the perimeter wall. There are two abutting or immediately adjacent to the protected perimeter wall. These comprise tall steel framed towers of square plan surmounted by observation platforms with a smaller square plan.

Historical information

For a general history of the Prison site see HB19/04/030.

The northern section of wall to the east of Zone F date from the Phase 2 Cellular construction (c.1976) and the west wall of Zone F2, together with the west and south wall of Zone J and the wall dividing Zones J and F2, all date from the Phase 3 Cellular construction (c.1976/7). The towers associated with each wall are understood to be contemporary with the walls to which they relate. The airlocks, inertia and inter zone gates are attributable to the Phases of the prison to which they relate.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

E. Spatial Organisation
F. Structural System
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

X. Local Interest
W. Northern Ireland/International Interest
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

A minimum representative area of perimeter wall of the former Maze Prison which is located near other listed structures. This retains some sense of the original enclosure of the former Maze Prison and the wider context of the other listed buildings. The attached watch towers and observation towers, formed an essential part of the security measures for the prison and are essential in understanding the character and setting of the buildings therein.