Demolition of derelict building marks significant milestone at Maghera project

A visible transformation had already taken place on the site of the former police station before the task of dismantling the derelict structures left was started this week.

Initial removal of the roof tiles, followed by the steel roof trusses (destined for recycling to be used on other construction projects) has allowed work to break up the remaining masonry and fixtures to start.

Progress also continues on the rest of the site as final preparations for the laying of the turf for the 3G pitch are being made.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Cathal Mallaghan said: “It is fantastic to see the progress made on this project, especially now that the derelict buildings are being removed and the site opened out for community use.

"These new facilities greatly broaden the range of leisure options available for local people at the existing leisure centre, and we anticipate that the new pitch, trim trail and play area will be much in demand.

“The scheme is part of an overall £5.2m investment in leisure and outdoor recreation facilities across the district, with substantial funding coming via our local rural development partnership for which we are extremely grateful”.

Funding for this project was approved through Mid Ulster Rural Development Partnership under its Village Renewal Scheme, part-funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the European Union, with the remainder of the investment from Mid Ulster District Council.

Extended car parking, landscaping, a new trim trail and an all-inclusive play area will complete the project when works finish in the spring and it is hoped that access to the pitch will be made available following the lifting of current Covid-19 restrictions.

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