Pictured at the launch of the Templemore Avenue School Project was from left: Anne Henderson, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland, Michael Briggs of East Belfast Community Development Association, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, Mike Smith, Chair of Templemore Avenue School Trust and Eamon O'Hare, Managing Director of O'Hare McGivern Ltd.

A new multi-million pound redevelopment project to create an integrated community resource centre for East Belfast was launched on 15^th December by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland and Anne Henderson, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland. 

The Templemore Avenue School Trust received £2.25 million from the Northern Ireland Executive to redevelop the former Templemore Avenue School to transform it into a Community Hub that will significantly increase services to the local community.  The funding was distributed through DSD’s Modernisation Fund Capital Programme and the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund.

Speaking on site at the launch of the project Minister McCausland said: “The new facilities will provide a valuable local community resource for the people of East Belfast. I am delighted to be supporting the development of a new modern and integrated Community Network Centre on the site of the former Templemore Avenue School.”

Anne Henderson, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, which is investing £900,000 in the project, said: “The International Fund for Ireland is funding this project as part of our Leaving a Legacy Programme which supports large symbolic community projects that seek to address division and promote reconciliation between all sections of the community.”

“The restoration of the former Templemore Avenue School will create a modern community space where local residents can come together and meet in a welcoming environment acting as a focal point for cultural and cross-community activity in the area.”

Michael Briggs of East Belfast Community Development Association (EBCDA), the managing agent for the project commented: “I am pleased to see this positive development and it is an affirmation of collaboration between Government, the Voluntary and Community sector and private funders.”

The renovation will offer serviced office space to a range of organisations working in the community and include offices, meeting rooms, a multi-purpose hall, a café and a crèche/day care centre.  The future tenants will benefit from savings through sharing resources and the centre will encourage partnership and networking opportunities.

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