£100,000 for new community centre at Harpur’s Hill

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, announced the funding of £100,000 towards the replacement of Harpur’s Hill Community Centre in Coleraine.

The £100,000 funding has been awarded from the Department for Social Development’s Areas at Risk (AaR) Programme with Coleraine Borough Council also contributing £149,000 towards the construction costs of the project.

The aims of the project include provision of a modernised facility, meeting all the legislative requirements for disability access; provide additional meeting space for local groups/organisations; the provision of satellite services such as jobs and benefits clinics; improved community/social/physical benefits for the local community; and greater community involvement and ownership through the establishment of a users’ committee.

Formally announcing the funding for the new Community Centre, Minister Storey said: “This project represents a positive step forward for the future of the Harpur’s Hill area in improving the physical condition of the estate.

“The new Centre will provide a central focus for residents, which will see enhanced support and strengthening of the delivery of services to children and families living in the area. Such services will include a mother and toddler group, parenting classes, adult education classes and importantly, jobs and benefits clinics.

“This will result in a number of positive outcomes including a reduction in social exclusion, improved health, reducing crime and opening up opportunities to access sport.”

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy, said he was delighted that funding for the Harpur’s Hill Community Centre Project had been approved.

“Coleraine Borough Council is committed to providing new and improved facilities for the residents of Harpur’s Hill, the development of the Community Centre is essential to this. Council is pleased to work in partnership with the Department for Social Development and match the funds provided for the project by DSD’s Areas at Risk Programme.

“I very much look forward to the completion of the new Centre which will bring great opportunities for the area.”