Lisnevin Training School was a secure borstal that looked after adolescent boys who were either on remand or had been referred from more open training schools. Opening in 1973, the site could accommodate up to 40 boys, many of which were either violent or were at risk of absconding.
Surrounded by a seven-meter fence, this was more like a prison than a school, with individual cells, controlled access and small windows to prevent anyone from escaping. Issues started at the site from the moment it was announced; locals didn’t want the facility built there, it was difficult to access via public transport and the building itself was designed as a category C prison, something not suited to young people.
