Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has marked the official reopening of the Grove Activity Centre, now leased and operated by Live Life Wellbeing (LLW), as a significant milestone in the council's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Alderman Amanda Grehan, carried out the formal reopening of the facility.

The move follows the transfer of the Grove Activity Centre building to LLW under the council’s CAT policy, enabling the venue to continue its important role in local life with a renewed focus and purpose.

LLW, founded in 2021, provides specialised services for young adults aged 19–35 with additional needs across the Greater Lisburn area. Following a programme of refurbishment, the organisation is now progressing plans to operate from the Grove Activity Centre, alongside services already delivered from Sarah Crothers Hall.

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As part of the arrangement, LLW will manage the building, its car park and the 3G pitch, while the council will continue to maintain the outdoor playground.

Speaking at the reopening, Mayor Alderman Amanda Grehan said: "This is a fantastic moment for our community. Grove Activity Centre is a valued local facility and I’m delighted to officially reopen it under this new lease and operating arrangement with Live Life Wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates how a Community Asset Transfer can protect and enhance a community asset, ensuring it remains active, welcoming and meaningful for local people."

Councillor Claire Kemp, Regeneration and Growth Chair, said: "This reopening is a strong example of community‑led regeneration in action. Community Asset Transfer can unlock long‑term social value by enabling organisations with a proven track record to invest in and grow services from local facilities. It's encouraging to see Grove enter this next chapter as an asset that will deliver real and lasting benefit for the area."

Councillor Tim Mitchell, Communities and Wellbeing Chair, said: "Facilities like Grove play an important role in strengthening social connection and supporting wellbeing. I’m pleased to see the centre reopen with a renewed community purpose, led by an organisation recognised at the highest level for volunteering. Through our Community Investment Fund, the Council has been proud to support Live Life Wellbeing in delivering enhancements as part of the redevelopment—helping to create an inclusive, welcoming space that will make a positive difference for individuals, families and our wider community."