'H' Block 8, Zone J, The former Maze Prison, Halftown Road, Lisburn, BT27

H Block 8, Zone J, The former Maze Prison

H Block 8 is one of three cellular housing units set within its own fenced compound in the Phase 3 area of the former Maze Prison. It is a standard H Block cellular unit recorded for its group value within Zone J alongside H Blocks 6 and 7, though it is not considered to be of special architectural or historic interest in regard to the wider legacy of the former prison.

The building is a single-storey structure of grey brick and concrete, H-shaped in plan, comprising a central circular area from which four cellular wings extend—two to the north and two to the south. The flat roof is surmounted by a brick-enclosed water tank. The building is aligned east-west, with tarmac hard standing forming an entrance yard between two of the wings and a similar area between the other two. Two pairs of exercise yards are positioned to the north and south of the cellular wings. These outdoor spaces are defined by high metal fences made of galvanised corrugated steel sheeting over welded mesh panels, topped with razor wire and surmounted by regularly spaced street lights on fence posts. A vehicle air lock to the east provides access from a dedicated access road. The gates are tall structures of galvanised steel and wire mesh with additional mesh above. Pedestrian gates of similar construction flank each side.

The external elevations are regularly fenestrated with steel-framed windows, behind which are reinforced concrete grilles that limit daylight. Domed skylights light the internal corridors. External doors are fitted with steel grille security gates. Later galvanised screens were fitted over the central block windows, which also have concrete grilles. The external brick features regular expansion joints. Windows have simple concrete or rendered surrounds. Large insulated pipes run along the lower part of the north elevation of Wing A, supplying hot water from the mechanical and electrical plant 3 (M&E 3) to the H block calorifier. The main door is positioned at the centre of the east elevation of the north-south circular block range. Doors are timber with observation windows and were operated in conjunction with outer metal grille doors. Similar secondary doors are located on the western elevation of the circular area, opposite the main doors.

H Block 8 has a mirrored orientation with its main door and vehicular air lock on the west side. Notable external variations from H Block 6 include: the control room antechamber window and roof light fitted with steel screens; and the exterior of the cell blocks have cell numbers painted in white onto the black cell window sills.

Two Tertiary Northern Ireland Prison Service observation towers are positioned centrally along the outer fence, one to the north and one to the south. These are square in plan with the main entrance on the east. They are constructed on a frame of tubular steel, with the lower part clad in pressed and coated pale green steel sheets on three sides and opaque corrugated plastic sheets on the fourth side, which faces away from the H Block compound. The upper part forms an observation platform projecting slightly over the fence to enable greater sightlines. Each side of the observation room comprises two panels of glass or Perspex, except the outer face which continues the steel cladding below. The windows are partially darkened and mirrored by means of an adhesive backing sheet.

H Block 8 forms the eastern of the three blocks in this phase, with a perimeter wall and associated inertia to its south and a tall concrete wall dividing Maze Cellular from Maze Compounds to the east.

This H Block was under construction in April 1977 as part of the three original elements of the Phase 3 cellular prison, with little sign of later modification. It was the last H Block to be constructed overall out of eight in total. The cell blocks were occupied by different paramilitary groups, though adjoining blocks were often occupied by members of the same faction when numbers allowed, and in some cases two blocks were opened into one by locking back the dividing gates. Each cell block became an extension of the factions' neighbourhood and was decorated with murals, sometimes including street signs from areas of particular support and paramilitary leaders. A six-monthly rotation of the various prisoner groups between the cell blocks meant that artwork was painted over before the block could be reoccupied, sometimes by groups with wholly opposed views to their predecessors. This was also true of individual cells, which were often decorated with wallpaper or paintwork to individual tastes. H Block 8 contained no visible artwork and the cells were presented in alternate green and blue colour schemes. The building was occupied and served its function until the closure of the prison in 2000.

The southern and northern observation towers are attributable to mid-1980s construction. They were added to reduce staff presence in the blocks and increase observation of the yards. The darkened windows were designed to minimise staff intimidation.

The building was designed by the Chief Architects Division of the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Works Service.