McCausland opens new South Lurgan Community Office

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has officially opened the South Lurgan Community House at 65 Greenhill Park, Lurgan.
~ Wednesday, 29 June 2011

South Lurgan Community Office, a former Housing Executive property, is the base for the Mourneview and Grey Estates Community Association. DSD provided a granted of £71,500 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund for the major refurbishment project, which has allowed the property to accommodate a wider range of uses by the Community Association.

Speaking at the official opening of the new premises Minister Nelson McCausland said: “The refurbishment of this property marks a new beginning for the Association enabling them to offer a range of learning and leisure activities to residents in a purpose built facility in local and familiar surroundings. The Mourneview and Grey Estates Community Association has played a major role in providing community input to the Department’s programmes for tackling disadvantage in this area.”

The Minister acknowledged the role of the Housing Executive, who also provided £5,200 and managed the contract on behalf of the Community Association. The Lurgan Neighbourhood Partnership identified the scheme and the Mourneview and Grey Estates Community Association who has worked, in difficult conditions, to help address the causes of deprivation in the area.

Minister McCaulsand continued: “A key factor in successfully tackling deprivation and regenerating areas is through a partnership approach between local and central government working with the community and voluntary sector. The Mourneview and Estates Community Association, under the chairmanship of Anne Hanlon, has played a key role in helping to address the problems in this area and this project is an excellent example of cooperation that delivers real improvements for the people living in disadvantaged communities.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy ‘People and Place’ was published in June 2003 to close 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 their areas.
   · Economic Renewal – to develop economic activity in the most deprived neighbourhoods and connect them to the wider urban economy.
   · Social Renewal – to improve social conditions for the people who live in the most deprived neighbourhoods through better co-ordinated public services and the creation of safer environments.
   · Physical Renewal – to help create attractive, safe and sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods.
2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
3. iew photos of the event on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/sets/72157626951839479/