The premises of a community association in Armagh will be re-vamped now that substantial funding has been secured.

Builders have won a minor boost after the NI Department for Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland (pictured here) announced £68,300 to upgrade the 'Social Partners for Reconciliation and Investment in New Generations' (SPRING) Community Association premises at Mullacreevie Park,
 in Armagh.



The project is being funded by a grant of £68,300 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund, with a contribution of £7,600 from the Northern Ireland Housing 
Executive.

The work involves a number of measures to address the building's shortcomings including new access, removal of internal stud walls on ground and first floors to create larger internal rooms, renewing the floors, doors and windows throughout and removal of the fencing at the rear of the building to allow better use of the area.



Nelson McCausland said: "This is great news for the residents of the Armagh Neighbourhood Renewal Area.

"SPRING plays a very important role providing a range of services for people of all ages, throughout the area. This funding will ensure that their premises are fit for purpose and will allow them to enhance and extend the wide range of activities and programmes they have on offer."

SPRING Community Association is a voluntary group that provides activities for the residents of the Armagh area in partnership with the relevant statutory organisations.

It operates from former Housing Executive properties at 19A, B and D Mullacreevie Park, Armagh.

The premises are no longer fit for purpose and this is having a detrimental effect on the Group's activities. 



The Minister praised the local community association, which has been actively involved in the design process of the project. He also acknowledged the role of the Housing Executive, other statutory bodies, local community representatives and the Armagh Neighbourhood Partnership.

He said:"This is another good example of DSD working in partnership with the public, private and community sectors to deliver real benefits for disadvantaged communities."

(LB/BMcC)