Funding totalling £247,300 has been announced for the expansion of the Gasyard Centre in Derry’s Bogside.
The Centre, in keeping with the original Gasworks site, consists of two drums with the main building built between the two round structures.
The funding will be used to add a new floor and refurbish the existing ground floor of the large drum. The new first floor will be used as a dance studio, recording studio, music studio and multi media/film suite.
Linda McKinney, Centre Manager, said the project which would provide “maximum benefit” to both the community infrastructure and the Gasyard’s overall programme implementation.
She added: “Our new and improved building will give us completion in terms of delivering a structured and continued project targeting all aspects of community development in dedicated rooms within our Centre.
Linda McKinney, Centre manager.
She concluded: “This project will ensure we have a first class facility in the heart of one of the most deprived areas in the North that is dedicated to providing alternatives that improve life and inspire change in a positive and beneficial way to our residents.”
Announcing the funding Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said the refurbishment and addition of a new floor would enable the Gasyard Development Trust to expand current “service delivery” and develop and deliver additional programmes and activities including arts and culture, health, educational, social and community engagement projects.
He added: “The project will provide the organisation with an enhanced, fit for purpose community facility.”
The project is be delivered and managed by Gasyard Development Trust and will commence next month with completion due at the end of March next year.
Tags:
