Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has announced funding of £247,300 to carry out structural and refurbishment work to extend the usable space in the Gasyard Centre.

The Gasyard 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.

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Minister McCausland said: "The refurbishment and addition of a new floor will enable Gasyard Development Trust to expand current service delivery and to develop and deliver additional programmes and activities including arts & culture, health, educational, social and community engagement projects. The project will provide the organisation with an enhanced, fit for purpose community facility."

Linda Mc Kinney, Gasyard Centre Manager, said: "On behalf of the Gasyard Development Trust I want to thank the Northern Ireland Executive who provided funding, through the Department for Social Development, for this project which will provide maximum benefit to both the community infrastructure and the Gasyard's overall programme implementation. 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."

(CD/MH)