£200k upgrade for Greenisland Community Centre

Council agreed the Greenisland facility was “in most need of improvement” due to the “deteriorated condition of the building”.

It was found to be “in a very poor condition” and “no longer fit for purpose”.

A review of the local authority’s community centres across Mid and East Antrim identified the Greenisland facility as “one of the busiest in the borough”.

The review also found that a “lack of maintenance in the Carrickfergus area has meant that the community centres have deteriorated faster than expected”.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston,  said: “One of the big issues that came up whilst canvassing back in May 2019 was the lack of investment in Greenisland.

“It was clear that the community wanted investment in the community centre and this was reiterated on many fronts.

“I met multiple times with the main users of this centre and have lobbied hard for investment and I am pleased to announce that £200k of funding has been secured through council for major renovation works.”

The DUP member’s views were echoed by fellow Knockagh representatives on the local authority.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Andrew Wilson, said: “I welcome the considerable refurbishment funding that has been allocated to Greenisland Community Centre.

“Since the local regeneration group was formed in 2015 to deliver on the Masterplan, we as a unified partnership of elected representatives and members of the community have outlined the need for investment at the outdated centre.”

The UUP Cllr continued: “Ultimately the Masterplan sets out a vision for a new-build community centre in Greenisland and we need to be creative going forward to seek outside funding, similar to how the football club secured a six-figure sum from Sport NI.”

Independent  Cllr Bobby Hadden, chair of the Greenisland Regeneration Group, commented: “I am delighted to announce that council have approved significant funding for the refurbishment of Greenisland Community Centre.

“I, along with other colleagues and community representatives, have been lobbying for this investment

“I will continue to lobby for a new centre which was identified as a key priority of the Greenisland Masterplan. However, in the current circumstances this funding is most welcome. For too long, Greenisland, in particular, has suffered from a lack of investment.”

Meanwhile, a new 100-seater stand has been approved for Greenisland Football Club. It will be erected on land adjacent to the clubhouse.

The redevelopment of the site was identified as a key objective by the Greenisland Regeneration Group.

Last year, the club opened a state-of-the-art 3G football pitch after receiving an investment of more than £800k.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

0739 3754849

Michelle Weir , Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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