Through sport we can help improve the community - McCausland

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland praised the staff of the Coleraine West Community Centre for promoting community sport participation at The Ropewalk.
~ Thursday, 23 June 2011

The recently opened sports and community centre at The Ropewalk, is part of a Neighbourhood Renewal area and was eligible for Neighbourhood renewal funding of £1million. The new centre incorporates dedicated recreation facilities for all ages including a boxing gym, indoor and outdoor football, changing facilities and a wet play area.

Speaking at The Ropewalk, Minister McCausland commented: “The centre has offered residents of this Neighbourhood Renewal Area opportunities to take part in sport and social activities, which helps in creating and sustaining communities. It offers a shared space for people from every part of the community to enjoy these activities together.

“The centre has already made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people in the Churchlands area and beyond through participating in sport and improving their fitness.”

Mayor of Coleraine, Alderman Maurice Bradley said: “The much enhanced Coleraine West Community Centre was recently opened as a result of an investment of just under £1million of funds from Neighbourhood Renewal and is a good example of how the partnership process between DSD, Council and local people can create something constructive for our communities.

Coleraine Borough Council has managed Neighbourhood Renewal implementation since October 2009 and to date Coleraine has benefited from some £2.1million investment with a further £1.1million of monies levered into the area.

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ which was published in June 2003, sets out government’s proposals for closing the gap between the quality of life for people in the most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of society
   
   The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy has four interlinking strategic objectives
   
   - Community Renewal – to develop confident communities that are able and committed to improving the quality of life in the areas
   - Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy
   - Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods
2. Media enquiries to DSD Communications Team on 028 9082 9078 or email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.
3. View photos of the visit on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/sets/72157627036015432/