‘H’ Block 6, Zone J, The former Maze Prison, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27

One of three H Block cellular units set within its own fenced compound within the Phase 3 area of the prison (Zone J). This block forms the western of three arranged along the southern half of the zone. To its west is a ‘Dead Zone’ beyond which is the western perimeter wall and inertia with the southern perimeter wall and inertia to the south (HB19/04/030E). Single storey grey brick and concrete structure, ‘H’ in plan comprising a central ‘circle’ off of which are four cellular wings, two to north and two to south. The building has a flat roof surmounted by brick enclosed water tank. The building is aligned east west with tarmac hard standing forming and entrance yard (between wings ‘A’ and ‘D’), There is a similar area between wings ‘B’ and ‘C’ and two pairs of exercise yards to the north and south of the cellular wings. Each of these areas is defined by high metal fences of galvanised corrugated steel sheeting over welded mesh panels with razor wire tops. Regular arrangement of ‘street’ lights surmounting fence posts. Vehicle air lock to east from dedicated access road with ornamental flowerbeds. Tall gates of galvanised steel and wire mesh surmounted with mesh above. Pedestrian gates of similar construction to each side. External elevations are regularly fenestrated with steel framed windows. Inside these are reinforced concrete grilles limiting daylight. Domed skylights to internal corridors. External doors fitted with Steel grille security gates. Later galvanised screens over the central block (‘circle’) windows. ‘Circle’ windows also have concrete grilles. External brick has regular expansion joints. Windows have simple concrete/rendered surround. Large insulated pipes run along the lower part of the north elevation of Wing A and supply hot water from M&E 3 (Mechanical and Elelectrical plant 3) to the H block calorifier. Main door in centre of east elevation of north south ‘circle’ block range. Doors are timber and fitted with observation window however they were operated in conjunction with outer metal grille doors. Similar secondary doors on western elevation of ‘circle’, opposite the main doors. Two Tertiary Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) observation towers located centrally along the outer fence, one to north and one to south. The towers are square in plan with the main entrance on the east. Constructed on a frame of tubular steel, the lower part clad with pressed and coated (pale green) steel sheets on the three sides with opaque corrugated plastic sheets on the fourth, away from the H Block Compound. The upper part formed the observation platform which projected over the fence slightly enabling greater sightlines. Each side of the observation room comprised of two panels of glass or Perspex except for the outer face which continued the steel cladding of the tower below. The windows were partially darkened and mirrored by means of an adhesive backing sheet.