Moneymore Recreation Centre Set For £320K Refurbishment

by Gráinne Connolly

Work will begin on Moneymore Recreation centre at the end of this month, to enhance the existing facilities there. 

Two additional meeting rooms will be built, one of which will be large enough to act as a studio for leisure classes; draught-proofing the existing covered multi-use games area and adding air extraction, as well as modernising the reception, kitchen and toilet areas and improving accessibility. 

The £320,000 investment has come through funding received from the Social Investment Fund (SIF) under the NI Executive's Delivering Social Change framework.  

The SIF Community Capacity Hubs Programme, which comprises the development of seven community facilities, is being managed by the Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network (CWSAN).

While the building will close for the duration of the 5-month project, the children’s play area and outdoor facilities, including tennis and basketball courts and a grass pitch, will remain open.

Speaking ahead of the work beginning, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council’s Development Committee, Councillor Trevor Wilson, said:

“This is a significant investment in Moneymore, and in line with the ethos of the community capacity hubs’ programme, the results will enhance the social and recreational opportunities for local people in a modern facility on their doorstep.

“I look forward to seeing the work progress in the months ahead and to the re-opening of the centre in time for the summer”.

A spokesperson from the Executive Office said:

“This important initiative supported by the Social Investment Fund will enable Moneymore Recreation Centre to provide much better services to the local community including sports and games.

"This project is part of a £1.7M SIF programme to regenerate and refurbish seven community facilities in the SIF Northern Zone.

"The Social Investment Fund is designed to find local solutions to deliver real, long lasting social benefits for communities that need it most and Moneymore Recreation Centre is an important part of that.”   

The Chair of CWSAN, Rosaleen Hanna, said:

“The refurbishment of Moneymore Recreation Centre is essential to ensure that the community can continue to access quality leisure services locally.

"This investment will not only enhance and rejuvenate the local area, it will also serve to promote a healthier community. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Mid Ulster Council to deliver this investment.”