Community facilities in Lurgan are to undergo a massive £738,000 face-lift, it has been announced.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie outlined her plans for the area, which include the demolition of St Mary's Hall and a former community centre building on the Shankill Estate.

Environmental improvements will be made to the Clann Eireann youth centre and a new changing pavilion and other measures will be built at the Tagnavean Sports complex.

Ms Ritchie said: "The provision of environmental enhancements is an important aspect of the strategy which recognises the benefits of physical improvements as a means of developing a sense of community identity and pride."

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The Minister also praised the work of those involved in providing community facilities and activities for residents such as Clann Eireann youth centre and the Tagnavean Sports Ltd project, a joint venture involving St Paul's GAA Club and Craigavon Borough Council.

This scheme, which is being advanced in two phases, represents an overall investment of over £1m.

Phase one, which is being funded by St Paul's GAC, Sport NI and Craigavon Borough Council involves the provision of sand based playing pitches at a cost of £585,000.

Phase two, which is being funded by DSD through the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, involves the construction of a purpose built changing pavilion together with a car park and associated site works at a cost of just under £473,000.

"I would like to congratulate all those involved in making these projects happen, particularly the Lurgan Neighbourhood Partnership who had identified the need for the schemes in its Vision Framework and Action Plan for regenerating the area," added Minister Ritchie.

(PR/JM)