A new purpose-built £585,000 boxing club has been officially opened in Belfast by former world boxing champion Carl Frampton MBE.

Frampton was among a host of special guests visiting TAGIT Boxing Club to mark the opening of the exciting new facilities.

Funded and delivered by Belfast City Council, with additional support from the Department for Communities, this club will serve as the new home for Tullycarnet Action Group Initiative Trust (TAGIT).

Speaking at the opening, Councillor Áine Groogan, Chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "The construction of these new facilities was only possible due to vital funding provided through our Belfast Investment Fund. The fund was set up to develop and regenerate facilities for people who live in, invest in or visit our city, while also encouraging partners to co-invest. 

"The new premises will be a huge boost for the club, providing a welcoming and attractive base for members to train in, as well as enabling them to compete at a local and regional level. It will also deliver a range of wider benefits for the local community, giving TAGIT a permanent home where they will be able to actively engage young people and promote fitness, health and wellbeing, discipline and personal development. I'm sure they will go from strength-to-strength and I wish them every success in the future."

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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey commented: "I am delighted that my Department has been able to contribute £150,000 to the development of this much needed, high quality facility. Boxing is a popular sport here and provides great opportunities for those who have the dedication and determination to compete. For others it is a healthy pastime and one that has significant benefits in terms of physical, mental and general wellbeing.

"I am also pleased that the facility will play an important role in opening up the sport to new participants including those from under-represented groups such as women and girls. It will have a real positive impact on the local community. I look forward to hearing about the club thriving and about the success of those who come here to train and compete."

Craig Brown from TAGIT Boxing Club added: "We were operating from the nearby bowling pavilion for several years and we're really excited to have moved into our new home. It will give us a permanent presence and an opportunity to benefit the local community in Tullycarnet.

"The new building is a huge boost to our coaches and volunteers who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a smooth opening so that we can welcome existing and new members to our brand-new club."