An historic, mid-1800s building in Dungannon, County Tyrone, has been reopened following a £196,000 restoration project.

The Gardeners Hall was opened today by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, marking a new era for the building, which was originally commissioned by Lord Ranfurly as a Free Gardener Lodge for a society of Victorian gardeners.

The hall had fallen into dereliction in recent years, leading the local council to begin a refurbishment project.

Minister McCausland said: "I have been very impressed by the work done at Gardeners Hall, in particular the Milltown Superadults Club. Their senior citizen programme offers older people a range of activities and the chance to interact with others outside their daily lives and make new friends. I welcome this opportunity today to visit Gardeners Hall and hear at first hand the difference this project has made to the local community.

"The Northern Ireland Executive, through my Department, has been able to provide £196,000 towards helping Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council refurbish this historic building. Both the Council and the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership are to be congratulated on their hard work and success."

Mr McCausland added: "Projects like this one at Gardener’s Hall make an important difference to transform the lives of local communities that have suffered from years of social deprivation. To date, the Dungannon area has benefited from over £2.4m of Neighbourhood Renewal funding. Only through investing time and money in these areas can we ensure that everyone, regardless of background, is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential."

Mayor Councillor Sean McGuigan said: "When the ownership of Gardeners Hall was offered to Council, it was seen as the perfect window of opportunity for provision of a community facility and a base of operations for local community and voluntary groups. Working through our Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership we welcomed Northern Ireland Executive funding of £196,000 which allowed the restoration of this facility and has provided a suite of modern facilities including a kitchen, a large function room with lift access, a meeting room and storage facilities."

(IT/CD)