31/03/2026

Lord Mayor Breaks Ground on New £3.4m Youth Hub

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, has officially marked the start of construction on a new £3.4 million youth and community hub in north Belfast.

The project is being developed on the site of the former Ardoyne shops on Crumlin Road and is designed to serve as a shared resource for the Ardoyne, Marrowbone, Woodvale, and Oldpark communities.

The development is being delivered by Belfast City Council with a funding package comprising contributions from the Executive Office's Urban Villages initiative, the Department for Communities, the Clothworkers' Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, and the council itself.
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Once completed in March 2027, the facility will be operated by Ardoyne Youth Enterprise. It is set to feature a creative learning centre equipped with digital studios, alongside office space, meeting rooms, and dedicated areas for youth engagement and counselling.

Lord Mayor Councillor Tracy Kelly said: "I'm pleased to see work starting on this shared community resource which will make such a difference to the lives of young people in north Belfast, from all communities. The team at Ardoyne Youth Enterprise are currently working out of rental premises, so having their own dedicated venue will enable to deliver more targeted services to help improve outcomes for our younger residents. This is start of an exciting new chapter for them, and I wish them all the best for the future."




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