Refurbishment completed at Greenisland Community Centre

Cllr Bobby Hadden; Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andrew Wilson; Janet Shearer (Officer); and Mayor, Councillor Peter Johnston.

The extensive renovation was completed under Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Capital Refurbishment Programme for 2020/21, with a £150,000 investment.

In June of this year, Council agreed the community centre – one of the busiest in the borough - was in need of improvement.

The premises are a hub for the local community, with a wide range of services available for everyone, including a playgroup, Irish dancing classes, and jujitsu club.

The new-look centre now features a more energy efficient insulation system, accessible toilet and changing facilities, as well as a modern new kitchen and brand new flooring for use by dancers and leisure users.

The works, which were carried out by RMC (Contractors) Ltd, also include a new suspended ceiling throughout, touch pad electronic doors for easier access and the installation of a new defibrillator on the outside of the building which is available in emergency situations.

The project is further complemented by landscaping works to the exterior and, in tribute to the history of the original building; a commemorative picture of the former ‘animal jungle scene’ will be retained.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, congratulated the council for its commitment to improving the much-valued local facility for generations to come.

“It is a real honour to be able to see this project being delivered for the benefit of all those in Greenisland," he said.

“Historically, this community centre has been at the heart of the lives of local people – from dance classes to fitness, playgroup facilities to birthday parties – and I am delighted that all those who depend on the services here will reap the benefit of this substantial investment by Council.

“The opening of the newly renovated Greenisland Community Centre is a great way for us to enter into 2021 and look ahead to supporting future generations in this area, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back when the Covid-19 restrictions permit us to do so.”