Lisburn's Navigation House has been renovated into a new versatile space.

Stepping Stones NI has been named the new lease holders for the Hillsborough Road property, where they will launch a fresh programme of activity that focuses on skills development, employment, learning, volunteering and outreach to be delivered at the historical site.

Working in collaboration with The Waterways Community (TWC) and Lagan Navigation Trust Stepping Stones NI will offer a programme of activity which includes a horticultural social business, employment academies and a wellbeing programme delivering yoga, mindfulness and cycling groups for people with severe learning disabilities.

Following an extensive Expression of Interest process which sought to secure a tenant that would maximise the benefits of the site, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to appoint Stepping Stones NI as tenant at Navigation House.

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Navigation House is situated on the outskirts of Lisburn City, surrounded by greenery and sitting directly on the Lagan Towpath. The tranquil surroundings will allow Stepping Stones NI to deliver initiatives that will complement the importance of the Lagan Navigation and the waterways to the surrounding community and to maximise further opportunities on the site that will create new social business opportunities and lead to the creation of new jobs

Alderman Amanda Grehan, Development Committee Chair commented: "I am delighted Stepping Stones NI has been appointed as lease holders at Navigation House. It has 24 years' experience of the delivery of successful funded programmes and services for people with a disability.

"Navigation House offers a versatile and adaptable space in a prime location to enable the delivery of such programmes. I look forward to seeing how Stepping Stones NI uses the space to help those they work with engage fully in society and develop skills and experience through work."

Paula Jennings, Chief Officer of Stepping Stones NI added: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to increase our services within the Lisburn area.  Navigation House will be the base for our 'Seed, Grow, Eat' horticultural programme amongst other health and wellbeing initiatives. It is great to work alongside the council to help meet social enterprise goals within the Lisburn and Castlereagh area."