Former prison 'could stage agriculture show'

The North’s main agricultural show could be staged on the site of the former Maze Prison, it was confirmed today.

The British government said the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, which stages the annual Balmoral Show in Belfast, had inquired about relocating their showgrounds to the site of the former prison outside Lisburn, Co Antrim where a 42,000 seat multi-sports stadium is also being planned.

The RUAS formally asked the government if it would be willing to sell 40 acres of the former prison as a zone for rural, equestrian and associated showgrounds use.

Northern Ireland Office Culture Minister David Hanson said: “The potential development of the Maze/Long Kesh site continues to gather considerable momentum.

“The RUAS interest in the regeneration proposal is another positive step towards turning the Maze/Long Kesh concept into reality.”