Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has announced that construction works will begin on a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Portglenone.

The MUGA will be situated next to both the Marina and the Community Centre. The project will also include an upgrade of the children's play park.

The new MUGA which is 34 metres by 20 metres will have a 3G surface, ball stop fencing and flood lighting. Once complete the games area will be available for the local community to book.

The new children's play area will include inclusive equipment and has been designed to inspire fun for children and their families.

These plans were developed after an engagement with the Portglenone Enterprise Group to maximise the available space and to accommodate a range of activities.

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This investment of £430,000 is part of the £2.4 million funding package secured by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for its Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme. The project has also received funding from the Department for Communities (DfC) Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: "I am delighted that Council will be delivering this excellent pitch for the local community, and I know it will be extremely popular and well-used.

"Mid and East Antrim has a proud reputation for sporting excellence and this investment paves the way for future success - these facilities will be invaluable to those who use them.

"The play park upgrade will be a fantastic asset for young people in and around Portglenone too – I look forward to seeing the plans and watching the project come to life."

Regional Director of Development at DfC Gerard Murray commented: "The funding for this project has been made available through collaboration across central and local government, and it’s great to see work starting on the ground. I have no doubt it will deliver significant benefits for the people of Portglenone and to the continued efforts to maximise the potential of the town’s marina area."

FP McCann has been awarded the contract and plans to complete the project by the end of March 2024.