CCP encouraged to apply for access funding for refurbishment of Victoria Hall in Culmore

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has encouraged the Culmore Community Partnership to apply for access and inclusion funding to enable the continued refurbishment of Victoria Hall in the village.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 29th Aug 2020, 16:00 BST
Group pictured at the commencement of the refurbishment of Victoria Hall, Culmore Point, as a multi-service community centre and hub. Included in the picture is Edward Montgomery, from The Honourable The Irish Society, owners of the property, Cathal Crumley, Secretary, Culmore Community Partnership, Colr Michaela Boyle, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Neil Doherty, Chairperson, Culmore Community Partnership, contractors, representatives of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership and local councillors. DER2519GS-005Group pictured at the commencement of the refurbishment of Victoria Hall, Culmore Point, as a multi-service community centre and hub. Included in the picture is Edward Montgomery, from The Honourable The Irish Society, owners of the property, Cathal Crumley, Secretary, Culmore Community Partnership, Colr Michaela Boyle, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Neil Doherty, Chairperson, Culmore Community Partnership, contractors, representatives of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership and local councillors. DER2519GS-005
Group pictured at the commencement of the refurbishment of Victoria Hall, Culmore Point, as a multi-service community centre and hub. Included in the picture is Edward Montgomery, from The Honourable The Irish Society, owners of the property, Cathal Crumley, Secretary, Culmore Community Partnership, Colr Michaela Boyle, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Neil Doherty, Chairperson, Culmore Community Partnership, contractors, representatives of Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership and local councillors. DER2519GS-005

The partnership is aiming to transform the former Orange Hall into a vibrant multi-service community centre. The building enjoys a prime location on the corner of Culmore Point Road and Coney Road and last year refurbishment work got underway. However, the project has been hampered by funding shortfalls due to unforeseen costs.

Ms. Ní Chuilín has now been asked by Foyle MLA Martina Anderson for an update on options ‘sent to her Department from the CCP on their plans to install a lift in Victoria Hall as to fully adhere to access regulations, so that the next phase of the development for their first floor facilities can be advanced.’

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She replied: “I am aware of CCP plans to refurbish Victoria Hall into a multi-service community hub to meet the needs of the local community. In December 2018, my Department agreed to provide £25,266 to meet a shortfall in the total funding package of £351,332 for the project. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) was the main funder. In November 2019, CCP advised all funders of a range of additional unforeseen costs associated with their proposal including the installation of a lift.

“My officials advised that, whilst the Department had no funding programmes open to which they could directly apply, CCP might be eligible for funding under the Access and Inclusion Programme which DfC delivers in partnership with DAERA and local Councils. CPP agreed to discuss their project with Derry City and Strabane District Council and I understand that whilst initial discussions took place no formal application was submitted. The 2020/21 Access and Inclusion Programme is due to launch in August 2020 and DCSDC has advised it would be willing to re-engage with CCP to discuss supporting increased accessibility at Victoria Hall.”