DERRY City and Strabane District Council has confirmed that work to carry out access and environmental improvements at Newbuildings Community and Environmental Association and Newbuildings Cricket Club is to go ahead over the summer months.
The works will involve the construction of a new roadway and pedestrian paths, along with new car parking.
It will make it easier for the community to access and use this popular site and increase capacity for public events, as well as supporting the future development of Newbuildings United FC and the Cricket Club by creating better facilities.
Work is expected to start in mid-July and be completed by the end of the year.
The announcement has been welcomed by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor, Councillor Brian Tierney who said the investment and improvement works will hugely benefit the local community in Newbuildings.
He said: “I am delighted this much needed work is being carried out to improve facilities in the Newbuildings area.
“Once completed it will greatly enhance accessibility and services for the local community.
“I particularly welcome the partnership approach to this project and how it has brought local community and sports groups together.
“I look forward to see the project progress over the weeks and months ahead.”
He extended a huge thanks to everyone involved in getting the project to this stage and said he hoped the people of Newbuildings can reap the benefits of this improved facilities once its completed.
The total project is estimated to cost approximately £300,000 and is being part funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership is the majority funder under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.
Mary Hunter, Chair of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership said: “The allocation of this funding will play a significant role in benefitting the community of Newbuildings.
“Making access easier to the site will provide the community with open space to use for walking, play, exercise and also hosting public events.
“The project also contributes towards our core aims under the Village Renewal scheme to revitalise and bring vibrancy back into our rural communities enabling them to grow and prosper.”
A project steering group was set up to develop the project with representatives from Council.
Peter Allen, Vice Chairman of Newbuildings Cricket Club has also welcomed the news saying:
“This will benefit the whole community, young and old, who use this fantastic facility, as well as parents with young children, who are out and about pushing prams and taking their children out for a walk.
“It will also benefit the older people in our community who use mobility scooters will no longer have to dread the walk up to our facilities.”
Gordon Moore, Chairperson of the Newbuildings Community and Environment Association added: “This community project is a fantastic addition to the village and will prove beneficial to all service users.
“It will provide safety for those availing of the facilities in and around the centre with additional car parking and improved access works.”
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