CONSTRUCTION work has been completed on the new Kilcoo community centre.
The chairman of Kilcoo GAC, Mr Terry O’Hanlon, was presented with the keys to facility last week by Mr Gerard McClelland, construction director with the building firm of Ganson.
The project received initial grant funding of £350,000 from the Big Lottery funded Space and Place Programme.
The community centre, which will be officially opened in early November, also received investment from Newry, Mourne and Down Council through its Community Capital Grant Programme, with additional support from the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT). The balance of the funding was provided by Kilcoo GAC.
Receiving the keys to the completed building, Mr O’Hanlon said: “I am delighted to accept the handover of the new community centre from Ganson and I would like to congratulate them on the excellent job they have done in constructing the new building.
“The provision of these much-needed community facilities is a key priority for the whole community and wider rural area of the village.
“This new centre marks a milestone in Kilcoo and the surrounding area and I hope that it will serve the needs of all of the people of Kilcoo and beyond.”
Over the next few weeks Kilcoo GAC will work to undertake final preparations to the new centre which includes a multi-purpose hall, meeting room and kitchen facilities.
It is hoped that the new community centre will be available for the community to enjoy and use from early October.
Any local groups. individuals or businesses who are interested in using the new facilities are encouraged to contact Kilcoo GAC.
Arrangements can be made to view the premises by contacting Liam McEvoy on 07879 994638, or Sheila Kelly on 07795 517503.