Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland has announced funding of £134,000 towards two Neighbourhood Renewal Projects in Lurgan.

The funding will benefit projects at the premises of Lurgan YMCA and the North Lurgan Community Centre.

Lurgan YMCA will benefit from funding of £88,500 to provide fixtures and fittings for its new building in Carnegie Street, Lurgan. The grant, which has provided from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, will enable the group to acquire the necessary furniture, fixtures and equipment to fit out its new purpose built premises, including:

•Soft seating and furnishings

•Office equipment

•Kitchen equipment, including electrical goods

Other equipment, to support programme activity, will also be provided, including:

•IT equipment

•climbing apparatus

•pool table

The Minister said: "This is encouraging news for the residents of Lurgan. The Young Men’s Christian Association makes a major contribution to the Lurgan area providing a range of services and activities for people of all ages. This funding will enable it to install the latest and most up to date equipment in its new premises and allow it to provide the best services to as many people as possible within the community."

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He also announced funding of £46,000 towards the construction of an educational and multi-sensory garden at an area of land adjacent to the North Lurgan Community Centre. The work involves the provision of a range of features including:

•an outdoor classroom with half walls, decking, seating, and all weather play area

•a playhouse with planters

•a sandbox with sliding lid, storytelling chair, sensory totem poles and finger maze

•an active garden including raised planters, compost cottage, an arch bridge and rain-wheel

•various other items of play / outdoor activity equipment.

The Minister added: "The North Lurgan Community Centre makes an important contribution to the local community providing a venue for the pre-School Play Group, Parent and Toddler Group and After School Play Scheme and also the senior citizen group. This project will provide a secure and stimulating environment for all users of the community centre and will facilitate the delivery of new programme activities for residents of all ages."

Both projects were developed in conjunction with the local community, through the Lurgan Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board, who identified the need in its Vision Framework and Action Plan for regenerating the area.

(CD/GK)