Larchfield hosts Heritage Trust Network Conference

Communities Minister Paul Givan is pictured at the Heritage Trust Network Conference which was held at Larchfield Estate, Lisburn with (l-r) Andrew McClelland, Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Erskine Holmes, Lagan Navigation Trust, Cllr Brian Bloomfield, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, and Sarah McLeod, Heritage Trust Network UK.

The conference, which was held at the Larchfield Estate in Lisburn, was attended by more than 75 delegates and brought together three key heritage organisations in Northern Ireland and the UK including The Lagan Navigation Trust, the Heritage Trust Network and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Addressing the conference, the Minister said: “I am delighted to be at the conference today in the prestigious Larchfield Estate. This historic venue perhaps shows some of what can be done with a heritage asset - serving as both a home and event venue. This provides a unique setting in the local area for the celebration of important events and thus also strengthens the local economy.”

The Lagan Valley MLA added: “Our heritage environment is an amazing asset and has been shaped by people over generations, people whose legacy connects us to our past, shapes our present and is a bridge to our future communities. My Department’s Historic Environment Division aims to support and sustain vibrant communities and a strong economy, through realising the significant and ongoing value of our historic environment.”