Northern Ireland environment minister Edwin Poots has approved planning permission for a £100m mixed-use redevelopment of the former Barbour Threads Textiles Factory in Lisburn, County Antrim.

In addition to 600 new homes, office space and light industrial units, the scheme is set to include a leisure complex, including a museum dedicated to the city's linen industry heritage, a riverside bar and restaurant and a gym. A crèche, a café and retail space feature as part of the Hilden Developments NI-led scheme, which will also includes the creation of feature gardens and the restoration of existing canal and river bridges.

Clyde Shanks of Turley Associates, which led Hilden Developments NI's development team, said: "The development will put vitality back into the area and provide an excellent modern living and working environment that will reflect the historical importance of the site, yet inject an exciting new future." Poots added: "Although it was a sad day when the Barbour Factory was closed down, this ambitious and innovative scheme represents a £100m investment which will provide a real boost for the local economy and generate in the region of 300 jobs."