Moneymore Recreation Centre has been officially reopened following the completion of a refurbishment project.

Bell Contracts and Michael Herron Architects worked on the project, which added two additional meeting rooms, modernised reception, kitchen and toilet areas, improved accessibility and draught proofing of multi-use games room.

The upgrades were delivered with an investment of over £270,000 by the Social Investment Fund under its Community Capacity Hubs Programme. Mid District Ulster Council also provided additional funding of £70,000 towards the overall project costs.

The refurbishment has come through funding received from the Social Investment Fund (SIF) under the NI Executive's Delivering Social Change framework. The SIF Community Capacity Hubs Programme, which comprises the development of seven community facilities, was managed by the Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network (CWSAN).

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Speaking at the facility, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sean McPeake said: "While the money may have been spent on bricks and mortar, the investment is actually in people, in the fabric, not of a building, but of a community.

"The whole ethos behind the fund is to improve physical structures and by doing so, to open up more opportunities for local people to enjoy community life, whether that's through sport and physical activity, events, meetings, leisure classes or courses. The breadth of activity is as wide as local people wish it to be.

"The recreation centre is here to be that focal point for the village and I look forward to seeing it well-used and enjoyed by the people of Moneymore."

Siobhan Broderick from The Executive Office added: "I am delighted to have attended the official opening of Moneymore Recreation Centre. The Social Investment Fund has contributed over £270,000 to this particular project and this investment will enable Moneymore Recreation Centre to provide better services to the local community. 

"The refurbishment is impressive. The facility is already being used by local schools and the community. It enhances the social and recreational opportunities for local people in a modern facility.

"The centre compliments existing community initiatives and provides a platform to build long-term community capacity within Moneymore. It is a pleasure to see this project add to the very positive work already supported by SIF."

(CM/MH)