The games area will offer young people a place to participate in a range of sporting activities such as tennis and basketball in a safe environment. It also aims to provide a neutral, informal facility which will contribute to the health, well being and social development of young people living in the area.
Speaking at the launch of the new facility, the minister said: “I am delighted to be back in Strabane to see further development of the Melvin Park Sports Complex. The upgrading of this facility has been a tremendous success and each phase has contributed in encouraging more people to undertake sporting activities and provide added benefits to their health. Not only will this facility contribute to a healthier lifestyle for our young people but will help alleviate anti-social behaviour in the area by providing a safe, fun and friendly multi-sports facility that they can all enjoy.”
Chairman of Strabane District Council Councillor Jarlath McNulty also highlighted his thoughts on the project: “The development of the Multi-Use Games Area is one of the final pieces in the jigsaw of the redevelopment of Melvin Sports Complex. This is an excellent facility for local residents and will not only contribute to the health and well-being of our young people but will encourage people to engage in additional sporting activities. My congratulations are extended to all those involved in the development of this facility. It is important as we move towards the Review of Public Administration that council facilities are of a high standard and cater for all of the residents and our young generation.”
Chairperson of Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Paul Gallagher stated: “I am pleased to announce the opening of this new multi-use games area. Since being established over two years ago the Local Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership has been central to regeneration within Strabane town. This includes installation of facilities at Melvin Park, the installation of spotlights to Sigerson’s GAA Club, aiding the regeneration within the estates of Springhill Park and Lisnafin, as well as supporting the Strabane Ethnic Community Association.
“At present we have a three year Action Plan and a 10 year vision for community regeneration in Strabane Town. Much has been achieved. The partnership has worked hard to develop an action plan which set out the regeneration priorities for our neighbourhood. However, real sustainable improvements will only come if statutory bodies and the community work in partnership to respond to agreed actions.”
The department provided funding of £70,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund to Strabane District Council towards the development of the new facility.
Notes to Editors:
1. The North West Development Office, through Neighbourhood Renewal, has contributed £70,000 to the Multi-Use Games Area in Melvin Park, Strabane. Strabane District Council, the project promoter, has contributed £10,000 to the overall project costs of £80,000.
2. The Multi-Use Games Area is the latest stage of the Melvin Park Sports Complex upgrade. In 2004, the external facilities at the centre were extended and upgraded to include two sand carpet pitches and a community walking/cycle path and site fencing. The Department for Social Development through the North West Development Office provided Neighbourhood Renewal funding of some £260,000 for the upgrade to facilities and a further £100,000 was provided towards the renovation and refurbishment of Melvin Hall. In 2005, additional funding of £70,000 was allocated towards the Melvin Park athletics track regeneration.
3. A daily booking system is now in operation for the Multi-Use Games Area. Anyone wishing to book the facility for tennis, basketball or soccer should contact Melvin Sports Complex on 028 7138 2660.
4. 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. Its objectives include:
• 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.
5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 and Simon Stuart on mobile 07920 186639. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
