Council finally finds the money for Crossgar centre economic study

Council finally finds the money for Crossgar centre economic study

27 March 2013 - by BY DAVID TELFORD

AMBITIOUS plans for a new community centre and sports complex in Crossgar have taken an important step forward.

Money to finance an economic appraisal on the proposed scheme has been identified by Down Council and it is hoped work on the study will start shortly.

A report undertaken by consultants working on behalf of the local authority in 2008 highlighted the need for the new facilities in the village and identified a number of potential sites.

They include the St. Colmcille’s High School campus at the Killyleagh Road, with local sports clubs suggesting a new 3G soccer pitch with flood-lights should be provided at the Kilmore playing fields as part of any new investment strategy.

The economic appraisal is viewed as the key to unlocking a number of potential funding sources to pave the way for construction work on the Crossgar scheme to start. Down Council has identified £15,000 to prepare the document.

The Crossgar Community Association — which is spearheading the drive for the new facility — is delighted money to finance the economic appraisal is now available.

In the absence of definitive costs for the proposed investment, it has been suggested that the Crossgar Community Association will have to raise around £75,000 towards the overall costs of the project.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Maria McCarthy have welcomed confirmation that money has been found to finance the economic appraisal.

The MP said the economic appraisal is another step towards the construction of the facility, with the next stage securing the finance to allow construction work to start.

“Crossgar has a thriving population and the proposed facility is very much needed to further develop and enhance both community and sporting groups,” she said, revealing she is meeting Down Council’s Director of Recreation to discuss the issue and will continue to work closely with the Crossgar Community Association.

Councillor Walker has praised council officers for securing the money to finance the appraisal and said the local authority is sending out a strong signal that it’s behind the people of Crossgar and their desire to see much-needed community and sports facilities in the village.

He added: “The fact money for the economic appraisal has been found within the council budget during the current economic situation is good news. It will be warmly welcomed by the people in the village.”

Councillor McCarthy described the proposed project as “crucial” for community and sporting groups in the village.

“Sports clubs should not have to travel out of our district to train and compete. Similarly, community groups should be afforded the right to meet in a centre which is adequate to meet their needs. I am pleased this project is now able to advance to the next stage of development,” she added.