Joint Official Openings for West Lisburn Community Hubs

September 15, 2017

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has officially opened two community facilities in West Lisburn.  The projects have been funded by the Social Investment Fund under the NI Executive’s Delivering Social Change framework. 

A much-used extension for the popular Laganview Enterprise Centre has provided new space for local community use with programmes delivered on site to meet local need.  This includes initiatives like the Early Years Provision, New Parent Programmes, Start to Play and Weigh to Health classes.  The facility has been very popular since opening its new doors some weeks ago.

The Resurgam Trust 3D Centre, is a brand new facility and is modelled on contemporary youth development centres.  It has a variety of spaces and break-out rooms including modern kitchen facilities for young people’s interaction, enjoyment and development.

Construction work for the centres was 100% funded by the Social Investment Fund.  This fund was established to support local communities and build on existing community services.  The Council was appointed Lead Organisation and it oversaw the construction work for the buildings and project management.

The Chairman of the Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman James Tinsley, was present at the official openings and said: “It gave me great pleasure to cut the ribbons and see both facilities officially open for business.  They serve as excellent community hubs for the area and are well used which is gratifying to see.  The SIF’s funding of the facilities is very welcome indeed and we are delighted officials and guests could be with us today.”

Dr Mark Browne from the Executive Office said: “Today is a real example of what can be achieved when communities, local and regional government and indeed the private sector, through the consultants and contractors, work together to deliver a shared vision.  The Social Investment Fund was an opportunity to try something different and support communities to bring about positive change for themselves. These newly developed premises provide local community facilities which are fit for purpose and ready to deliver a suite of services to those who need it most.

Official Opening attendees included the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Hazel Legge, who welcomed local community representatives and the centres’ management teams.