02/10/2014

£4.5m Centre Opens In West Belfast

A £4.5m community resource centre has been opened in west Belfast.

The Glen Community Complex in the Lenadoon/Suffolk area received £620,000 funding from the Department for Social Development, as well as from the EU's PEACE III Programme and Atlantic Philanthropies.

The complex will house community support services such as crèche facilities, an after-school club, healthy living programmes, education and training, family support, counselling and youth services.

Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey said: "This development is a major boost for local community groups and for local residents. This magnificent facility will allow essential child care, youth and educational services to be safeguarded and to grow."

The support services will be provided by Glen Community Parent Youth Group, Lenadoon Community Forum, Lenadoon Women's Group and the Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group.

Martin Doherty, Chairman of Apex Housing Association, which owns the centre, said: "We are delighted to have played our part in the delivery of this impressive building. This hugely important project will serve the Lenadoon and Suffolk communities well for many years to come providing shared space to support the delivery of community priorities."

(IT/JP)

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