An investment from the National Lottery has unlocked plans to deliver a new community hub in Belfast's Sailortown.

Sailortown Regeneration Group secured a grant of £184,928 to help transform the rundown St Joseph's Church in the historic docks area into a new facility which brings people together.

This project is part of the Group's work to breathe new life into the area.

The funds will be utilised for essential maintenance on the church including roof flashing, heating and toilets, to make it safe and suitable for community activities. They will also be used over two years to employ staff to coordinate the renovation and set up a programme of community activities in the hub.

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The group is also setting up a plan to develop the building further and fully refurbish it as part of a wider strategic plan for the area.

Chair of Sailortown Regeneration Group, Pat Benson, who was born and grew up in the area, said: "We are delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund are supporting us in our work to bring the historic docks area back to life. There are no community facilities at the moment so having a place where past and present residents can come together will make a huge difference.

"This funding means we can keep a historic building in community ownership and that it can be used for people led regeneration in Belfast. We're really looking forward to opening the doors of St Joseph's again after almost 20 years of campaigning."

Sailortown Regeneration Group is one of six groups in Northern Ireland to land a share of over £700,000 from the National Lottery. Other successful parties include Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens, SOS NI, Drumragh Evergreen Senior Citizens Club, Multiple Sclerosis Society and Davina's Ark.

(CM/MH)