Work set to get underway on £7m Connecting Pomeroy project

This phase of the project, which is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), will account for over £5.5m of the funding and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The central development, will see the former forestry school building transformed into a visitor centre which will also serve as a shared community building with an open general area to complement the outside forest area. It will offer a large multi- use space, complete with retractable seating for approximately 150 people, two multi-purpose rooms, a coffee dock area, toilets, changing facilities and kitchen.

The works also include the construction of a gym and changing facilities at Pomeroy GFC, a new multi-use games area at the Presbyterian Church Hall and a new Church of Ireland Hall to be built next to the old police barracks site which will include a main hall, office, ancillary toilets / storage facilities, reception hall and a kitchen.

The highly anticipated Public Realm Scheme in the village will get underway as part of the works and it will feature a new streetscape, street furniture, improved lighting with safe walking links created to the new shared facilities.

As part of the public realm works, improvements will be made to the Queen Elizabeth II Primary School, including new raised decking; and a new multi-use games area at the Presbyterian Church, including car parking, drainage, landscaping and fencing.

These works will be enhanced further with the creation of educational and magical trails through Pomeroy Forest, due to commence later this year.