Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced additional funding of £150,000 to support the continued restoration of Ardaluin House, Co. Down.

On a visit to mark the completion of Phase One restoration works to this outdoor activity centre, the Minister praised the project.

Minister McCausland said: "This facility offers young people a safe, purpose built environment where they can experience positive influences. Programmes such as the Belfast Activity Centre Youth Build Initiative provide real opportunities to build self esteem, confidence and skills, and promotes the recognition of the importance of young people’s needs and engagement in community regeneration.

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"In the last decade we have seen unprecedented changes for young people in Northern Ireland, particularly those in our most disadvantaged communities. Dramatic transformations in family structures, work patterns and mobility have all contributed to pressure on young people, which is why places such as this are so valuable.

"The programmes available through Ardaluin House support my Department’s strategic objectives of community, social, and economic renewal. These objectives aim to improve the quality of life for people in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods. The mid-term review of the Neighbourhood Renewal strategy has shown that services provided by organisations, such as the Belfast Activity Centre, can make real life changing differences to individuals and so are worthy of our support."

The project to restore Ardaluin House is aimed at providing a residential outdoor learning experience for children and young people from the Greater Shankill and surrounding areas of North Belfast. The facility is managed by the Belfast Activity Centre (BAC) and approximately 1,000 young people per year use the facility.

(CD/GK)