Plans are progressing to create a new shared space facility in Waterside, Londonderry.

The Waterside Shared Village project has secured a funding boost of €8 million from the European Union's PEACE IV Programme to develop the facility.

When complete, the development will consist of a central community hub building, surrounded by a state-of-the-art sports complex.

The community hub will include a community/sports hall, a special youth zone, a community kitchen, a community office, along with a suite of sports changing rooms. A 3G pitch, grass pitch, cricket training area and tennis courts will be located in the area around the hub.

The project is being led by Derry City and Strabane District Council to encourage cross-community interaction in the area.

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Welcoming the project Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which manages the PEACE IV Programme, said: "Whilst many different communities across the region live side-by-side, some still remain deeply divided. This polarisation is also unfortunately passed down from one generation to the next, creating a cycle of mistrust and suspicion.

"The Waterside Shared Village project will create a new safe space where people from different backgrounds are given a unique opportunity to mix with and learn from each other. By doing so they will be able to challenge some of their own personal misconceptions, start to build trust and engage in meaningful reconciliation."

This project is one of five schemes to secure SEUPB funding, with new shared space centres also planned in south Belfast, Ballycastle, County Antrim, and Pomeroy.

Match-funding for the projects has been provided by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, added: "This funding will make a real difference in the lives of the communities both in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The PEACE IV Programme has a real and invaluable impact on building relations across the border. My Department will work with all parties to ensure delivery of these essential shared spaces."

(CM/MH)