Upgrade works totalling £3.2m have commenced at the Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane, County Tyrone.

Included in the ambitious plans for the site are a dedicated boxing facility and a multi-use three court sports hall with accommodation for gymnastics, new changing accommodation, changing places facility, extra storage and additional car parking spaces.

The upgrade was made possible after Derry City and Strabane District Council received an investment of £1,845,000 through Sport NI's National Lottery funded Multi Facility Fund.

Works begun following a recent sod turning at the facility which was carried out by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr.

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She said: "Sport NI have worked closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council along with Disability Sport Northern Ireland to ensure the design is fully inclusive for people with disabilities and meets the requirements of the Inclusive Sports Facility Accreditation – this is a facility that everyone in Strabane will be able to use and benefit from.

"I would like to acknowledge and thank all the partners who have brought the project to this key stage and Sport NI for their significant financial investment in it."

George Lucas, Chair of Sport NI, added: "We are delighted to see works commence on this project.

"At Sport NI we believe in the power of sport to change lives and with funding made possible thanks to National Lottery players these upgraded facilities will provide more opportunities for sports clubs, community groups, youth groups, schools and residents from across Strabane to participate in sport and physical activity."