Construction work has commenced to develop the new Sport and Recreational Pavilion in Leafair, L'Derry.

The £1.45 million project will feature a three story building including changing facilities, community and recreational space and office facilities.

The area already offers an outdoor gym, playing pitches and a floodlit jogging trail.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maoliosa McHugh, visited the site, and was pleased with the progress.

He said: "I was pleased to get a first-hand look at the site of the new pavilion at Leafair today which will be a significant addition to the 3G and grass playing pitches at the site and the floodlit jogging trail which opened last year.

-- Advertisement --

"The project is part of an ambitious programme of sports pitch and supporting infrastructure development currently being undertaken by Council which includes the recently refurbished Brandywell Stadium and the work at the Melvin Sports Area."

Derry Council and the Leafair Community Association are leading the project, with supporting funding from the Social Investment Fund (SIF). The SIF has allocated £9.5 million to L'Derry.

Noel McCartney, Chair of the local SIF Steering Group, added: "It is a significant development and will be a welcome addition to the existing facilities at Leafair.

"Improved leisure facilities can play a key role in encouraging more of our citizens to be active and help them reap the many health and wellbeing benefits of exercise."

(CM/MH)