£4million boost for Downpatrick as Ballymote project moves one step closer

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA today announced that the tendering process for the £4million Ballymote extension project in Downpatrick has commenced.

The project involves the provision of an extension to the existing Ballymote complex (currently comprising a community hall, office space and shops) and the construction of a separate multi use sports hall, with specific provision for young people. It will provide much needed additional retail and community facilities for those in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

Minister Ritchie said: “This announcement marks the first stage of the tendering process for this important project. I know the news will be well received by those who reside in Downpatrick as they have waited many years to see this project begin.”

The scheme is being funded from a number of sources including the Department for Social Development, Sport Northern Ireland, International Fund for Ireland, South Eastern Trust, South East Education and Library Board and Down District Council who has also agreed to manage the project.

The Chief Executive of Sport Northern Ireland, which is making a contribution of £1.275million towards the cost of the project said: “This is very positive news and marks a significant stage of the development of this flagship project which includes state of the art sporting facilities. As the lead agency for developing sport in Northern Ireland we are committed to providing opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in sport. This project will further enhance the facilities available to the local community and will make a major contribution towards improving the health and well being of the people of the area.

The Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland, Denis Rooney, also welcomed the development. He said: “The International Fund has a long association with the community at Ballymote having been involved in the funding of the original project back in 1994. The Fund currently supports a cross community development worker based in the Ballymote Centre and was delighted to be able to provide a contribution of £750,000 towards this next phase of the development of the centre. This project will help to stimulate economic growth, create employment and provide much improved community facilities and we wish the local community every success in the future.”

The DHSS&PS through the South Eastern Trust is contributing £500,000 and its Chief Executive echoed these sentiments saying: “The Trust has long recognised the need to provide facilities to help improve the health of the people of this area and has been working closely with DSD to bring forward programmes to help address health inequalities in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area. This project will play an important role in helping us to meet our objectives in this regard.”

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Education and Library Board, which is making a contribution of £175,000, said: “This project includes specific facilities for young people and will enable the Youth Services to provide specific programmes to engage the youth of the area.”

The Chairman of Down District Council, which is contributing £300,000 said: ”This is a red letter day for Downpatrick and Down District Council is delighted to be involved in this project both as a funder and also as a project manager on behalf of the local community. The project, which has been facilitated by DSD, represents an excellent example of joined up working involving local and central Government and their Agencies working with communities to bring about real improvements in the quality of life of those residing in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas.”

The minister paid tribute to the other organisations who provided funding to the scheme and to the local community. Particular praise was given to the Ballymote Community Project Ltd, the Flying Horse Community Forum and the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership who worked over a long period of time to make the scheme happen.

She continued: “This is a massive project which would not have been able to proceed without major commitments from a number of other organisations. I would like to thank the local community representatives and the various funders including the Departments of Health, Culture Arts and Leisure and Education and their agencies, South Eastern Trust, Sport NI and the South Eastern Education and Library Board, Down District Council and the International Fund for Ireland.

"I look forward to joining with other funders in a sod cutting ceremony which should hopefully take place early next summer.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Ballymote complex is located in the Downpatrick Neighbourhood Renewal Area. The complex, which first opened in 1994, currently comprises a community hall, office space and a supermarket, as well as other shops.
2. A Contract Notice seeking expressions of interest from contractors wishing to tender for the work has been placed in the Official Journal of the European Union.
3. The total cost of the project is estimated at £3.99million. The scheme is being funded to a maximum of £4.275million from a number of sources including Sport Northern Ireland (£1.275million), International Fund for Ireland (£0.75million), South Eastern Trust (£0.5million), South East Education and Library Board (£175,000), Down District Council (£0.3million) which has also agreed to manage the project, with the Department for Social Development providing the balance to a maximum of £1.275million.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07970 976894. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned..