Broughshane & District Community Association is celebrating after being awarded £300,000 from the government's Levelling Up initiative, that will see the realisation of a new community centre brought one step closer for the 'Garden Village of Ulster'.
The local team of dedicated volunteers have been speerheading funding initiatives that will see a new community facility and sports hub delivered for Broughshane.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities today (30 June 2023) announced the latest allocations from the second round of the £150 million Community Ownership Fund.
It is understood this additional £300,000 will be added to existing money set aside by the local authority, and displays an excellent effort in partnership between community and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council that will ultimately provide positive results for local residents.
Elevations of the new Broughshane Community Centre
The design of the new community centre was approved by council planning committee on January 2021, and will see a new facility built on the existing location at Knockan Road, Broughshane.
The planning application reveals the new centre will be almost three times the size of the current building and includes a large sports hall, minor hall, two changing blocks, a fitness suite/meeting room as well as ancillary facilities.
Site Plan for the new Broughshane Community Centre
Floor Plan for the new Broughshane Community Centre
Today's funding allocation was awarded to seven projects across Northern Ireland, including Broughshane, representing an overall investment of almost £1.5million into local communities.
Inspire Wellbeing, based on Ballymoney Road in Ballymena was also successful in it's funding bid and was awarded £129,600 for the organisation's Woodvale Community Wellbeing Hub. The centre is part of Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health and offers vital support and day services for people with mental ill health, as well as a weekly programme of activities for people referred by the community mental health team.
Other successful projects bids include:
• IMPACT NETWORK NI - £250,000
Regeneration of 45 Main Street, Randalstown
• ENTERPRISE CAUSEWAY LTD - £210,000
The Meeting House, Bushmills
• MONEYDARRAGH COMMUNITY HUB LIMITED £72,000
Improving facilities at Moneydarragh Hub
• SEACOURT PRINT WORKSHOP LTD - £300,000
Banking on Seacourt
• AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL IRELAND - £165,000
Craigavon Leisure Centre Regeneration Project
The Government says the funding will help community groups "take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life," adding "This will ensure they continue to provide vital services, create opportunities and boost local economies, while restoring optimism, hope and pride in UK communities".
Commenting on today's announcement Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said:
"This cash will help to revive the vital community spaces which give people a sense of belonging and pride in their communities and allow them to thrive.
"We want people across the country to have great opportunities no matter where they live. Ensuring that they can continue to benefit from treasured local institutions is an important part of this."
The Community Ownership Fund has now delivered £36.8m investment for a total of 150 projects across the UK, including £3m for Northern Ireland, £5.2m for Scotland, £3.2m for Wales and £25.5m for England.