Community Centre for Harpur’s Hill

There had been fears that the project would not proceed, due to a cuts within the DSD budget.

However this week, DSD Minister Mervyn Storey announced that funding for the project had been sourced through the “Areas at Risk” programme.

DUP MLA Adrian McQuillan had written to Minister Storey about the project, he welcomed the news that funding had been found.

McQuillan said he had emphasised to the new DUP DSD Minister that it was ‘vital’ the project got the go ahead.

He added that Minister Storey had accompanied him to a meeting at the centre.

Mr McQuillan said that at the meeting ‘residents made it very clear’ that a new community centre was crucial for the area.

“It’s full steam ahead now,” said MLA McQuillan.

“This is great news for the area, I understand that the multi use games area (MUGA) in the estate may also be improved under the programme.

“I had highlighted the poor state of the current community centre in my discussions with Minister Storey, and made him aware of the tight time frame, given that the new councils will come into force from next year.

“It is an important facility in that area. It is a very busy centre and is used by all members of the community.”

Coleraine Borough is contributing half of the money towards the project, the other half will come from the DSD funding.

A spokesperson said: “Council has agreed to match fund the project for the remainder of the costs and the project is now proceeding. Work is due to commence at the beginning of November.”