£1.266m secured for new Ballymagroaty-Hazelbank multi-purpose community centre in Derry
A major £1.266m funding award from the Pride in Place UK Programme is to support the development of a new multi-purpose community centre for the Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP).
The funding injection has been described as a significant milestone for community development in the area.
Chairperson of the BHCP Board of Directors, Francine Moran, said: “This investment represents the culmination of over ten years of dedicated work by community volunteers and staff who have remained committed to improving outcomes for Ballymagroarty, Hazelbank and wider area.
"Their persistence, vision, and belief in the potential of this community have brought us to this important stage. We are now seeing those plans come to fruition in a way that will have a lasting, positive impact for generations to come.”
The cash boost will enable the creation of a modern, accessible facility designed to deliver a wide range of vital services, programmes and activities.
The new community facility will serve as a key hub for residents, enhancing opportunities for health and wellbeing, skills development and social inclusion.
Importantly, the new community facility will complement a recently announced £832,000 investment from Derry City and Strabane District Council for a new state-of-the-art play park on the adjoining site, creating a shared community space that supports families, young people, and the wider community.
Lisa Moore-Maguire, Strategy Manager for the Outer West Foyleside Local Growth Partnership, said: “This £1.266m investment will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives here in the local area. It’s about creating a space where local families, young people, and older residents can come together, feel supported, and access the services they need.
“Alongside the £832,000 investment in the new play park, this development will help create a vibrant, shared space for the community, somewhere that brings people together and gives local children and families real opportunities to enjoy and benefit from their local area.
“For many in the community, this facility will become a focal point, a place to learn, connect, and feel part of something positive. It’s a strong example of what can be achieved when we invest in communities and work together to build a better future locally.”
Emer Mc Daid, Partnership Manager at BHCP, added: “We see every day the challenges that people in our community face, but we also see the strength, resilience, and pride that exists here.
"This new facility will give us the space to do so much more and provide sustained and much-needed services based on local needs. This ranges from supporting young people, helping families, or providing a welcoming place for people who might otherwise feel isolated.
Emer continued: “Having the new play park right beside the community facility will make a huge difference. It creates a safe, positive environment for children and families and really adds to what we can offer as a community.”
The development aligns with the priorities of the Department for Communities Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and the wider strategic objectives of Derry City and Strabane District Council, supporting inclusive growth and sustainable regeneration.
This combined investment, alongside an additional £1.311m already allocated to the Masterplan by Derry City and Strabane District Council, brings total investment more than £3.3 million.