Lisburn City Council was delighted with the recent public consultation in Elmwood Church, at which the detailed plans for the proposed new community facility in Rathvarna were unveiled.

This project has been a collaborative one involving a number of stakeholders including the Council, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and community representatives from a number of groups. A series of meetings were held over a six-month period.

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure Services Committee and Chair of the Project Working Group, said: “It was excellent to see so many residents attend the public consultation and provide feedback on the plans for the new community facility within Rathvarna. The Council is committed to ensuring that there are sufficient community based facilities to be accessed by everyone throughout the area; and this project has addressed the need within the wider Lisburn North area.

“I would like to commend the community groups who have worked alongside the Council on this project and to my colleague Paul Givan MLA. Their comprehensive understanding of the needs of the local community and their attention to detail was valued and has resulted in a well-received community building being designed.”

Laura Turner, Treasurer of North Lisburn Community Investment added: “As a proactive resident of North Lisburn I have been part of the North Lisburn Community Investment Group for six years, during which time I have seen our area grow. We as a group strongly welcome this development and look forward to being able to provide a community facility for now and future generations.”

Lagan Valley DUP Assembly Member and representative on the Working Group Paul Givan has welcomed the progress being made about the construction of a community facility in the Ballymacash area of Lisburn.

Mr Givan commented: “I have held a number of meetings with representatives of Lisburn North Community Investment, Resurgam Trust, the Housing Executive and community groups to discuss the potential for Lisburn City Council to invest heavily in a community facility in Ballymacash. Over recent years, money has been well spent with the upgrade of Laurelhill Sports zone and the introduction of the MUGA at Windermere and a central community facility would cater for a range of activities and age groups.
“The Working Group chaired by my colleague Alderman Paul Porter and comprising of local community activists and relevant stakeholders has been instrumental in discussing potential ideas for the facility. The Council are hoping to progress the facility to the planning stage with a formal application being submitted soon. Following the positive response by the community during the consultation the wheels are well in motion and I am confident that this facility will be greatly welcomed within the community.”

Pictured at the recent public consultation on the new community facility to be located in Rathvarna with Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council's Leisure Services Committee are members of Lisburn North Community Groups, local residents, Paul Givan MLA and Council Officers.