Construction work has been completed at a new family centre in north Belfast.

The Grace Family Centre on Alliance Avenue has now officially opened.

The two-storey, purpose-built facility will be run by Grace Women’s Development Limited. It will provide people from the area with childcare for up to 60 children and other facilities including a counselling suite, training rooms, offices and a café.

Funding for the project was provided by Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and The Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative.

Belfast Lord Mayor Alderman Frank McCoubrey, said: "This is an outstanding new asset for families in north Belfast and I am sure that it will make a massive difference to the lives of the many people who will benefit from it in the years ahead.

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"The Belfast Agenda, the city's community plan, includes a commitment to ensuring everyone in the city has the best possible chance in life. Regenerating communities and providing facilities that allow people to access opportunities is central to that, so I am delighted to see this new facility open.

"Belfast City Council has invested almost £1.4 million in the centre as part of our physical investment programme. The £400 million programme, which includes around 400 projects, includes major schemes to boost the economy, create jobs and improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods."

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "This project is an example of what can be achieved when government, statutory organisations and the community work together.

"I am pleased that it has resulted in a significant project coming to fruition and a tangible benefit for the Urban Villages area in North Belfast.

"Grace Women's group have been involved in a significant range of cross community partnership projects over many years. In enhancing their effort, this centre will be a welcoming, inclusive, shared space, of service to all people in the community."