Greenisland Community Centre closed for £200k refurbishment

A £200,000 refurbishment project has commenced at Greenisland Community Centre.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, with Donal McKay and Robert McCrudden, from RMC Construction, at the start of the Greenisland Community Centre refurbishment scheme.The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, with Donal McKay and Robert McCrudden, from RMC Construction, at the start of the Greenisland Community Centre refurbishment scheme.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Peter Johnston, with Donal McKay and Robert McCrudden, from RMC Construction, at the start of the Greenisland Community Centre refurbishment scheme.

The three-month works programme will provide increased disability access, an improved external façade and an upgrade of the existing roof.

Plans also include an enhanced multi-purpose floor in the main hall, refurbished toilet facilities and storage and improvements to the ceiling structure in the main hall.

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Visiting the site, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “It’s wonderful to see the refurbishment work at Greenisland Community Centre get underway. Mid and East Antrim Council strive to make a difference in local communities and make a positive impact where it matters most.

Marking the start of the project are, from left, Cllr Bobby Hadden; Fiona Surgeoner, council; the Deputy Mayor Cllr Andrew Wilson; the Mayor Cllr Peter Johnston; Ald Noel Williams; Cllr Marc Collins and John McVeigh, council.Marking the start of the project are, from left, Cllr Bobby Hadden; Fiona Surgeoner, council; the Deputy Mayor Cllr Andrew Wilson; the Mayor Cllr Peter Johnston; Ald Noel Williams; Cllr Marc Collins and John McVeigh, council.
Marking the start of the project are, from left, Cllr Bobby Hadden; Fiona Surgeoner, council; the Deputy Mayor Cllr Andrew Wilson; the Mayor Cllr Peter Johnston; Ald Noel Williams; Cllr Marc Collins and John McVeigh, council.

“From the very outset, I reached out to the primary users and stakeholders involved with the community centre and I want to put on record my thanks for their input and continued support for the community in Greenisland through this facility.”

The DUP representative added: “I would also like to put on record my thanks to the council officers who quickly turned this project into a reality.”

The works make up part of the Greenisland Masterplan for which there is a Greenisland Regeneration Group made up of elected, community and statutory representatives.

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Independent Cllr Bobby Hadden, who is chair of the regeneration group, said: “I have lived in this area all my life and I am delighted to see this work coming to fruition.

“We are all committed to providing inclusive and welcoming shared spaces that are fit for purpose and can meet the needs of a wide range of user groups in the Greenisland area.

“The refurbishment work will allow the centre to become a vibrant and busy community centre, facilitating new activities and the delivery of vital services within Greenisland and the surrounding area.”

Funding was approved by the local authority earlier this year (read here) with RMC Construction Ltd appointed to complete the extensive work.

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The Deputy Mayor, Ulster Unionist Cllr Andrew Wilson, said: “I know that the local people who use the centre will be very excited about having a newly refurbished facility. This work will secure the long term future of the building and ensures that the many children and families who enjoy activities here, can continue to do so.

“I’d like to welcome RMC Construction Limited on board and look forward to seeing work in progress over the next few months.”

The centre will be closed to the community while the scheme takes place with reopening estimated by the end of the year.

DUP Cllr Marc Collins said: “Local people have always been at the heart of our plans and we are delighted that this new community space will be upgraded for their use.

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“We want the centre to be a legacy for the people of Greenisland and a focal point for residents, hosting events, classes and community groups. We have worked closely with them and will continue to consult with them on the final exterior of the new building.”

Alliance Alderman Noel Williams said: “I am delighted that the Greenisland Community Centre is undergoing a complete refurbishment as a precursor to the implementation of the Greenisland Development Framework which was developed back in 2015.

“Greenisland is crying out for a new Community Hub in line with the priorities in the framework document. The plan runs to 2030 and I look forward to the new Greenisland Hub and other priorities, such as the potential improved layout of Greenisland Station and other priorities being planned throughout the period 2020-2030.”

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