A new play area and recreation space has officially opened in west Belfast.

The development was delivered in partnership with the Department of Communities, Radius Housing, Belfast City Council and Sliabh Dubh residents.

Located in the Springfield Road area, the park provides a community space and includes children's play workshops, football tournaments, adult health and well-being classes and community festival events.

The Department of Communities funded the £110,000 construction costs. Radius Housing looked after procurement, design and construction and Belfast City Council has agreed to take over the long-term management and maintenance of the play area.

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Maggie Smith, Director of the Community Empowerment Division of the Department for Communities, said: "This development is a credit to the local community, to Sliabh Dubh Residents' Association, local Councillors and Radius Housing, not least because of the way in which they kept working on how to deliver this facility which will be of such value to residents of all ages."

Radius Housing Chairperson, Diana Fitzsimons, said: "This project epitomises the value of partnership working and I hope that all of the associated partners can continue to work in the spirit of collaboration as we strive to build more new neighbourhoods across West Belfast and beyond whilst continuing to work with local residents and groups to ensure everyone feels part of, and is able to contribute to the local community."

(CD/JP)