The first sod has been cut at the site of a new £1.8m Coleraine community centre.

Plans for the new centre incorporate dedicated recreation facilities including a purpose-built boxing gym, indoor and outdoor football and changing facilities, as well as a wet play area.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: "I want our urban regeneration projects to deliver shared public space, places that people from all communities can access and enjoy.

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"This new community centre in Coleraine will be an excellent example of this."

Ms Ritchie's department has provided over £900,000 for the new centre, replacing the existing community centre in the Heights area of Coleraine.

A further £900,000 project funding has been provided by Coleraine Borough Council, who will also manage the facility.

Mayor of Coleraine, Sandy Gilkinson said: "This project will provide a much required service and facility to the community in the Churchlands ward of Coleraine and I wholly support this project and I hope that residents positively benefit from the services that the centre will provide."

(PR/BMcC)