Hangars (former aircraft assembly hangars), Gate 3, Maze, Long Kesh, 94b Halftown Road, Lisburn BT27 5RF

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

These comprise two large steel framed Type 2 hangars aligned north south with low single storey red brick extensions between and to the east and a single and two storey red brick extensions to the west. Both hangars are of similar construction comprising 23 bays defined by ‘British Steel, Colville’ ‘U’ shaped channels with angle bracing between, supporting pitched trusses of similar construction. The columns are supported in pairs on concrete capped brick plinths, between which are doors linking through to the extensions. It was noted that the remains, in the form of footprint scar and bolts, of earlier columns survived between the existing columns implying an earlier upper structure. Large three leaf sliding doors survived to the north and south of both hangars with small wicket doors, tracks and projecting upper door rails to each building. The north doors of buildings 8 and 9 were fixed shut by the addition of an internal poured concrete plinth wall. The floor in both hangars was concrete with no clear evidence of fixing or earthing points or demarcation. The side walls of both buildings comprised brick lower elements with stone copings, on which sat a metal flashing and large timber windows within a steel angle frame. The roofs appeared to be of a corrugated mineral sheeting board. The open plan area of building 8 had been partially subdivided by the insertion of concrete panels and fences to create a mock prison scenario. This area had been used for siege, riot and general officer training. In the southeast corner of the building were two modern porta-cabins providing officer accommodation and facilities (plumbed in to the former toilets) and a single cabin for chief officer and training.

Historical information

For general historical background see HB19/04/030.

The low-level brick extension and plinths appear to date from the setting up of the 1941 RAF base. At this time two earlier hangars appear to have been present as evidenced by the central scars on the plinths. These earlier structures appear on the historic map sequence to have been of equal footprint. However it is clear from on-site analysis they had greater structural components with wider bays. The present hangars may, therefore, represent later replacements; the British Steel stamp implying a date following the nationalization of steel in 1948 or even the re-nationalization in 1967.

These buildings, together with the surrounding contemporary brick structures are the remains of a Stirling Aircraft assembly factory. The aircraft components were produced at Sydenham, Belfast, and transported to Long Kesh for assembly and flight-testing. The height of the Stirling may account for the raised stanchion plinths as this is an unusual arrangement. The low level extensions were used as workshops and staff facilities with blast shelters around.

The low level extensions had been much altered with extensive conversion during the 1960’s to provide facilities such as the ablution block and bar. The original fenestration was much altered and compromised with several of the west elevation windows having been extended by the insertion of timber framed elements under the original steel framed uppers. The Fenestrative pattern of the east elevation is altogether more representative of the original form.

Building 8 is also referred to as the C&R Training Hangar with Building 9 being known as the PEG Transport or Black hangar. As these names suggest the most recent uses have been for riot training and vehicle storage.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
D. Plan Form
E. Spatial Organisation
F. Structural System
H-. Alterations detracting from building
I. Quality and survival of Interior
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

R. Age
S. Authenticity
T. Historic Importance
U. Historic Associations
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
Z. Rarity
W. Northern Ireland/International Interest

Evaluation

These second World War structures have been designated scheduled monuments as part of the protection of the Maze site.