The Islamic community of Northern Ireland is set to benefit from a brand new cultural centre.

Work has begun on the new Islamic Cultural Centre, which will see the redevelopment of the building at Aldersgate House, University Road. This £1.676 million development will replace the current premises in Wellington Park.

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey visited the site to mark the beginning of work on the project.

Minister Hargey said: "The Belfast Islamic Centre delivers services and support right across the Muslim community, from young families and individuals to its elderly members. I am delighted that my Department has been able to commit £500,000 towards the cultural development elements of the new centre that will enable an expansion of its services to the community.

"When completed, Aldersgate House will create an iconic, fit for purpose centre for the Muslim community not only in south Belfast but further afield. It will also have a positive impact on the social, economic and physical regeneration of the area."

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The Department is contributing £500,000 towards the works. When completed in July 2023, the new centre will provide a modern dedicated space to support activities such as fitness classes, health and wellbeing programmes, parents and tots sessions, a youth club, language classes and a food bank. One floor will be fitted out as a prayer room which will be funded by Belfast Islamic Centre.

Dr Saleem Tareen, Trustee Chair, commented: "Belfast Islamic Centre is very pleased to announce the start of the refurbishment process of the new Islamic centre building on the University Road. This is a moment of immense joy for the Islamic community of Northern Ireland.

"With the community's generous support over those years and with additional support from the Department for Communities (DfC) in the form of a £500K grant, we were able to kickstart the project. In particular, we are indebted to DfC for their funding and the confidence shown by the Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey in Belfast Islamic Centre to lead the project. We are also thankful to Belfast City Council for managing the refurbishment process. We are certain that once the building is operational next year, it will be a vibrant hub for the Muslim Community and will also present a positive picture of Belfast and Northern Ireland around the world as a tolerant multicultural society."