Little Weavers Day Care is a magical place steeped in history at Old Hilden Primary School. Through community working led by The Resurgam Trust in partnership with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council this historic building was reopened in 2025.
With funding secured from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, council and community support Old Hilden Primary School has been beautifully restored and now in 2025 has opened its doors to children once again. It was initially open from 1912 to 2008 as a primary school.
Little Weavers Day Care will be registered for 54 places for children up to five years of age. It will provide ‘home from home’ care each Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Through its curriculum the needs of individual children will be met through a variety of learning opportunities with a particular emphasis on children enjoying the outdoors. This stunning day care facility includes a beautiful natural play space where the children can explore nature, create mud pies and look after the wildlife, all filled with exciting learning opportunities.
Little Weavers Day Care is a subsidiary of the Resurgam Trust, which is a community owned organisation encompassing the principles of community development.
The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Amanda Grehan, speaking at the facility said: “Today we celebrate more than a building being restored. We celebrate what happens when people, groups and the community work together. Little Weavers Day Care is more than just childcare, it will create up to 15 new jobs and give families high quality support.
"By restoring this building, we are also restoring its purpose, a place where children are cared for, supported and brought together. Today is not just a launch, it is a renewal, a promise that our heritage will serve our future, and that this beloved building will once again be at the heart of the community.”
Chairman of the Resurgam Trust Philip Dean said: “It is an absolute honour to have been part of the restoration journey of the Hilden School and the launch of Little Weavers Day Care Ltd.
"Through this new social enterprise, we will generate local employment and provide much needed professional childcare provision. The Resurgam Trust has proudly worked with the local community for many years to deliver this new project, and I am delighted to be present here today on this very special occasion.”
David Burns, CEO at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council added: “The redevelopment of Hilden Primary School has been a key milestone project for us alongside Resurgam Trust, the local community and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
"To combine history and the future in one community has been an amazing opportunity that will benefit our younger generation. It is through projects like this and successful partnerships that we can build better communities in a sustainable manner in line with our community and corporate plans.”
John McMullan, Chair SENI said: "The Resurgam Trust is a superb example of a local community Social Enterprise, focussed on growth, delivering real and lasting community wealth building. They deliver services that match community need, create local jobs and inject money back into their community.
"I am privileged to attend the launch of Resurgam's newest Social Enterprise and would highlight Resurgam as a shining example of community Enterprise best practice."
Adrian Bird, Director of the Resurgam Trust said: “The refurbishment of the Hilden School and the launch of Little Weavers Day Care Ltd is another milestone in the Resurgam Trust journey. Little Weavers Day Care and the Tearooms at Hilden Mill will work together to ensure that the Hilden School becomes a vibrant community hub.
“Both new Social Enterprises, supported by the Resurgam Trust will work in partnership with our partners in the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum to promote the local history of the school and the surrounding community.
"Our school will be much more than just a Social Enterprise, it will provide much needed employment, childcare provision, education, volunteer opportunities and be a welcoming environment for everyone that visits.”