Plans to buy Kindle site is boost for Ballykinlar

Plans to buy Kindle site is boost for Ballykinlar

29 March 2017

THE construction of a new community centre in Ballykinlar has taken a significant step forward.

A powerful Newry, Mourne and Down Council Committee has recommended the council buy the former Kindle Primary School site in the heart of the village for £65,000 and the decision is expected to be rubber-stamped by the full council next week.

Council officials had been in discussion with the Education Authority to secure the Commons Road building for nothing under the community transfer scheme, but education officials refused the request.

The community transfer scheme is a Department for Communities initiative which recommends that government departments with surplus land can transfer property at no cost for the development of new facilities — including community centres or social enterprise developments — with local people playing a key role in their development.

As a result of the Education Authority refusal to let the local council have the building for nothing, officials have been instructed to buy the site to assist plans to develop a vibrant new community centre in the heart of the village.

The decision to buy the site was agreed at a recent meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee following a proposal by Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin.

While delighted the Commons Road site will soon be in local authority ownership, he is disappointed the property could not have been secured at no cost to ratepayers.

“Funding has been earmarked in the council budget to acquire the site and I am pleased it will soon be in council ownership to pave the way for a new community facility for the people of Ballykinlar and Tyrella,” said councillor Sharvin.

“It is disappointing that the Education Authority want to make a profit from the sale of the facility, rather than see the £65,000 invested into the facility for the community, rather than its own budget.”

Councillor Sharvin added: “Through the purchasing of the site, this will now start the project of delivering a community facility for the people of Ballykinlar and surrounding areas. The facility will provide a hub for local residents and contribute to the regeneration of Ballykinlar and the surrounding area.”

Councillor Dermot Curran, who has been campaigning to secure the former primary school, is also delighted it will soon be in local authority ownership.

“A new community facility will help revitalise Ballykinlar and provide the people who live there with a much-needed boost. Previous feasibility studies identified the need for community facilities in the village, with education officials identifying the need for a full-time youth worker and dedicated youth rooms within the village.”

The councillor hopes the Commons Road site can be secured, with council officials working closely with the  Ballykinlar and Tyrella Community Association to discuss its future development.

Councillor Curran added: “Sadly, Ballykinlar has missed out on major public sector investment over many years, but that will hopefully now change. I very much hope plans for a much-needed community hub can be developed and brought to fruition in what is one of the district’s expanding villages.”