An eerie new video series showing the Hilden Mill complex near Lisburn has revealed just how much it's fallen into ruin over the last 20 years.
The linen mill has been unused for more than a decade with regeneration plans failing to get off the drawing board in recent years.
The series was released as part of the Northern Ireland Science Festival's 'Past, Present and Future of Linen in Northern Ireland'.
In episode one of the series, Ciaran Toal from the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum explains how Hilden Mill was formerly home to the Barbour Thread factory which had occupied the site since 1823.
However, following "greater competition and less demand" for linen in the late 20th century, Mr Toal says the industry began to decline rapidly.
He added: "The factory at Hilden eventually closed in 2006 but the Barber's have left a rich history in the Lisburn area and wider Lisburn area.
"Although the Linen company has declined and it's great sadness for the decline of this once great industry. There is huge interest in its history and its past and the legacy that the mill and the mill left in Lisburn."
In 2017, the 24-acre site was bought a company associated with the Warwickshire-based St Francis Group.
Lisburn Castlereagh Councillor Simon Lee said it was sad to see such a stunning piece of built heritage in Lisburn being left in this state.
"The Hilden Mill is of incredible historical and architectural significance," the Green Party Cllr said.
"It is a simply stunning piece of our built heritage. When I see it falling deeper into dereliction every year I am dismayed.
"This is no way for an architectural treasure to be treated. I am hopeful that it will be responsibly restored and put to appropriate use in the near future."
He added: "Heritage like this is irreplaceable, and allowing the Hilden Mill to be lost, or restored in an irresponsible manner is unconscionable."
The St Francis Group was contacted in regards to their long term plans for the site but they did not respond at the time of publication.
