Dungannon West reopens its doors to improved community facility

Dungannon West Renewal Ltd’s community building was today officially reopened following completion of renovations and Disability Access improvements.

The newly refurbished building was reopened by Beverley Bigger from the Department for Social Development (DSD) on behalf of Minister Margaret Ritchie.

DSD’s Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund provided £67,000 to refurbish and upgrade disabled access to the building by:

• Installing a lift,
• Modifying the fire escape and,
• Reconfiguring the building’s entrance and doors to comply with Disability Access Regulations

The facility also benefitted from refurbishment of its community rooms including new ceilings, electrics and redecoration.

Beverley Bigger, Principle of DSD Northern Regional Development Office said: “Minister Margaret Ritchie has stated that she wants to target resources in a way that has maximum impact for communities. These are much needed improvements to this vital community facility. Some of the people who need this resource the most, particularly those with disabilities, older people and young families can now benefit fully from the range of services that Dungannon West Renewal Ltd offer.

"Being able to participate in programmes from accredited computer based training programmes to healthy living seminars will develop the skills of local residents and enable social interaction for some who could so easily become isolated without the availability of facilities such as this.

"I have no doubt that having access to such a range of services under one roof will improve the quality of life for people in the Dungannon West Neighbourhood Renewal area.”

Mr Michael McLaughlin, Secretary of Dungannon West Renewal Ltd said: “A primary objective of Dungannon West Renewal Ltd since its formation as a Company has been to bring quality, purpose built, disabled friendly, community facilities to the West of Dungannon, realised through partnerships with DSD and Neighbourhood Renewal.

"The new Training Suite/ Meeting room, now with full disability access provides a professional setting for community education and small businesses seeking to project the right image to their clients. Ballysaggart Business complex has a reputation for quality customer care and professionalism and this project should further enhance our reputation for high standards.

"Already the rooms are used for a wide range of activities- conferencing, training, yoga, dance and early years education. We believe the project is fully in keeping with our vision to make the West of Dungannon; ‘A place where people want to work, live in and are proud to call home’.”

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.
   The Coalisland Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership is one of those funded by DSD.
   
2. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.