First sod cut for new community centre

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has announced the start of construction work at the new North Lisburn Community Centre in the Rathvarna area.
Pictured at the site of the new Lisburn North community centre are: Minister for Communities Paul Givan MLA; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive; Jonny Corry, North Lisburn Community Investment and Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council's Leisure & Community Development Committee alongside Working Group members and members of the Council's Leisure Services Committee.Pictured at the site of the new Lisburn North community centre are: Minister for Communities Paul Givan MLA; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive; Jonny Corry, North Lisburn Community Investment and Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council's Leisure & Community Development Committee alongside Working Group members and members of the Council's Leisure Services Committee.
Pictured at the site of the new Lisburn North community centre are: Minister for Communities Paul Givan MLA; Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive; Jonny Corry, North Lisburn Community Investment and Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council's Leisure & Community Development Committee alongside Working Group members and members of the Council's Leisure Services Committee.

The new state of the art community facility will offer a number of rooms of varying sizes and can accommodate meetings, a youth club, mother and toddler groups etc. Adjoining the Community Centre will be a Community Garden that has been funded by the Alpha Project to provide a great outdoor space for people of all ages to enjoy.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee and Chair of the project Working Group, speaking at the sod cutting, said: “It is excellent to see the ground being broken to mark the construction of this much needed community centre.

“This community centre is expected to be a hub for the local residents to meet in.

“I would like to thank the Alpha Project for its generous funding support to provide an aesthetically pleasing green space that includes a wildflower garden and a habitat for wildlife. The Council would ask that all members of the community respect the importance of this resource to keep it looking as good as possible.”

Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor added: “Communities are the heart and soul of the council and this centrally located community centre will be the hub for all agencies that come into the area, which is in line with the council’s community planning aspirations.”

Minister for Communities Paul Givan MLA added: “The contribution from everyone will also create a sense of belonging for those who will avail of this brand new facility on its completion. The commencement of the new community centre is another milestone for the local community and the wider redevelopment of Lisburn City.”