First Sod Cut for New Community Centre Kitty’s Road

The new community centre at Kitty’s Road Kilkeel got underway with a sod cutting ceremony on Monday, 4 February. The £370,000 facility will include a 140 square metre main hall, kitchen, games room and two offices.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin performed the ceremony, which was attended by Mourne councillors, Community Association members, community council officers and Ganson Contractors.

Chairman Mark Murnin said, “I am delighted to be here today to perform the sod cutting ceremony which marks the beginning of this much needed community facility. One of the Council’s key aims is to build community capacity to empower local people to effect change within their communities. This new centre is an excellent example of partnership working with voluntary groups and the empowerment of local people in developing community provisions.

“I particularly want to thank the Community Association and Council officers for their hard work. I have no doubt that the community and surrounding area will benefit and avail of the new facility in the future.”

Community representative Jane Eakin said, “Our Community Association has been managing the building on the Council’s behalf for the past 30 years, with a formal agreement for the past three years. After all these years, the existing mobile unit was no longer suitable to meet the demands of our community.

“Our new facility will energise the community to develop and attract new activities and services to this rural area and will hopefully cater for the needs of our community for another 30 years.”

It is expected that the Garson Contractors will complete the project by the end of May 2019.