Notorious Kincora Boys' Home to be demolished
The notorious boys' home was at the centre of an abuse scandal
A notorious former boys’ home in East Belfast should be turned to rubble by this afternoon.
Demolition of Kincora on the Upper Newtownards Road will start this morning, to make way for a new residential development.
The home - which closed in 1980 - was at the centre of a sex abuse scandal.
The historical institutional abuse inquiry found 39 boys were abused at Kincora.
In 1981, three men were jailed for abusing 11 boys.
A statement from Hagan Homes, which bought the site in 2019 said, “Hagan Homes recognises that this day will mark something of a bittersweet event for those affected by the incidents that took place here.”
“In one respect the demolition of the building removes the physical reminder of those events but equally, for many, this spot will forever be a blight on this neighbourhood and the setting of much distress.”
Jim Burke, Director of Sales and Acquisitions, Hagan Homes said “The company is mindful that one of the recommendations in the HIA Inquiry Report (The Hart Report), states that one memorial should be created for all the victims of abuse. Given the range of institutions and the geographical spread of victims, Hagan Homes believes it is for the Northern Ireland Executive to choose a neutral location for a memorial in consultation with victims.
“As we begin the next phase of our development we remember the victims of Kincora Boys Home and support their continued efforts to receive both vindication and justice.”
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