Renovation breathes new life into former Hilden Primary School
Thanks to a huge renovation project by Resurgam Trust, with support from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, the halls of the former Hilden Primary School will once again be filled with the sound of children’s laughter as the new Little Weavers Day Care opens its doors.
The school first opened in 1912 but sadly closed its doors in 2008. Now, through secured Heritage Lottery Funding, council, and community support, the old Hilden Primary School has been beautifully restored.
Little Weavers Day Care will be registered for 54 places for children up to five years of age and will provide ‘home from home’ care each Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
Through its curriculum the needs of individual children will be met through a variety of learning opportunities with a particular emphasis on children enjoying the outdoors. This stunning day care facility includes a beautiful natural play space where the children can explore nature, create mud pies and look after the wildlife, all filled with exciting learning opportunities.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, who helped to officially open the new facility, said: “Little Weavers Day Care is more than just childcare, it will create up to 15 new jobs and give families high quality support.
"By restoring this building, we are also restoring its purpose, a place where children are cared for, supported and brought together.
"Today is not just a launch, it is a renewal, a promise that our heritage will serve our future, and that this beloved building will once again be at the heart of the community.”
Chairman of the Resurgam Trust Philip Dean commented: “It is an absolute honour to have been part of the restoration journey of the Hilden School and the launch of Little Weavers Day Care Ltd.
"Through this new social enterprise, we will generate local employment and provide much needed professional childcare provision.”
Adrian Bird, Director of the Resurgam Trust continued: “The refurbishment of the Hilden School and the launch of Little Weavers Day Care Ltd is another milestone in the Resurgam Trust journey.
"Little Weavers Day Care and the Tearooms at Hilden Mill will work together to ensure that the Hilden School becomes a vibrant community hub.
“Our school will be much more than just a Social Enterprise, it will provide much needed employment, childcare provision, education, volunteer opportunities and be a welcoming environment for everyone that visits.”
The new manager of Little Weavers, Cora Harrison, who has worked in childcare for over 20 years, is passionate about her role in shaping the future of local children.
“We will have children from all different background,” explained Cora. “It will be amazing.
"We want to make sure we honour the children that were here before and bring the new children into a rich learning space, giving them the best start in life."
Speaking at the official opening of Little Weavers, David Burns, CEO at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council added: “To combine history and the future in one community has been an amazing opportunity that will benefit our younger generation.
"It is through projects like this and successful partnerships that we can build better communities in a sustainable manner in line with our community and corporate plans.”
Video by: Elle Campbell, Zara Martin, and Aidan Hankins.