The architect behind the proposed peace and reconciliation centre at the former Maze Prison has called on Northern Ireland’s political leaders to break a 12-year stalemate. He says the site has the power to help the country move past its troubled history.
Daniel Libeskind, known for designing the 9/11 Memorial in New York and the Jewish Museum in Berlin, told BBC’s The View that political delays have stalled progress for too long. Libeskind described the idea that the peace centre would glorify terrorism as “absurd.”
The prison, near Lisburn, was once a high-security facility that held paramilitary prisoners during The Troubles. It closed in 2000. While many of the buildings were torn down, some were kept due to their historical status.
A Site Full of Potential
The site spans almost 350 acres, making it one of the largest publicly owned plots in Northern Ireland. Since its closure, the area has seen limited use. A £300 million regeneration plan was introduced but was paused in 2013 due to political disagreement.
The Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation (MLKDC) was set up to manage the redevelopment. It believes the site could bring in £800 million in investment and create 14,000 jobs. But MLKDC’s work has been reduced to only managing health and safety.
“We were ready to take responsibility,” said Terence Brannigan, former MLKDC board chair. “But sadly, we weren’t given the chance.”
Political Standoff Since 2013
In 2013, the late DUP First Minister Peter Robinson halted the project after unionist concerns. They feared the site might become a “shrine to terrorism,” referencing its history — including the 1981 republican hunger strikes where 10 prisoners died.
Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness, then Deputy First Minister, responded by stating that no future development would proceed without a solution. Since then, the prison buildings have mostly been closed to the public.
“We cannot keep living with ghosts of the past,” Libeskind said. “Belfast must move forward. The world is changing. This site can be a symbol of healing.”
Missed Economic Opportunities
Despite the political divide, some parts of the site are in use. The Balmoral Show, a major agricultural event, is held there. The Ulster Aviation Society (UAS) and the region’s air ambulance also operate from the location.
UAS manager Ray Burrows sees great promise in the site.
“There’s fantastic potential here,” Burrows said. “If more attractions were added, we’d see tens of thousands of visitors every year.”
Daniel Libeskind remains committed to the project. He believes the peace centre would educate future generations, not glorify the past.
“It’s the opposite of a shrine,” he said. “It’s a place to learn, reflect, and build a better future.”
Calls for Stormont to Act
Libeskind is urging Northern Ireland’s Assembly at Stormont to return to the table and revive plans for the peace centre. Experts, civic leaders, and locals agree the area could boost tourism, education, and employment.
“This is not just about buildings,” Brannigan added. “It’s about what kind of future we want to create for our people.”
Years of political deadlock have put the site’s full potential on hold. But the vision for a peaceful, united future remains alive — if leaders are willing to act.
What Happens Next?
There is growing public interest in reopening talks about the Maze site. As the rest of the world progresses, many in Northern Ireland hope their leaders can finally unlock a new chapter of peace and development.
