Killyleagh Celebrates 20 Years of the Bridge Centre

Killyleagh has celebrated the 20 years since the Bridge Centre opened with a ceremony and plaque presented to the Centre by the Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey. The event on Saturday 7 September 2019 was attended by past and present members of the Bridge Centre Steering Committee, and Rowallane District Electoral Area (DEA) councillors.  

 The Centre, which continues to provide a wide range of activities for the local community, offers some 32 weekly activities, reaching nearly 40,000 users each year.

 Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am delighted to present this plaque to the Bridge Centre in recognition of the important part it has played, and continues to play, in the life of Killyleagh.

 “One of the Council’s key aims is to improve the quality of life for our citizens through reducing health inequalities and improving access to programmes and activities that enhance wellbeing. The Killyleagh Centre has been contributing to this goal for the past 20 years and I know that the Centre will be continuing their important work for the next 20 years.”

 Chris Hagan, a founding member of Killyleagh Hall Steering Group said, “The opening of the Centre was the culmination of many years of intense work by the Killyleagh Hall Steering Committee which met and consulted with local groups, organisations and clubs to identify what sort of facility was required to satisfy the needs of the area.

 “As you can see today I believe the committee achieved its goals and we are very happy with the outcome.”

 Over the past 20 years the Centre has reinvented itself to meet the changing needs of the community. In 2015 one of the rooms was transformed into a state-of-the-art fitness suite which sees an average of 42 people each day using the new facilities. In addition, the Centre has implemented an energy efficiency programme using renewable energy and restricting the amount of fossil fuel required. New solar PV panels now provide electricity to run electrical equipment and LED lighting while air source heat pumps transfer electricity from the solar panels to provide heating and hot water for the building.

 Roy Kelly, Killyleagh Centre Duty Manager said, “The success of the Bridge Centre is down to the unwavering support it receives from those who continue to use its facilities. The last 20 years are a testament to those in the Killyleagh Hall Steering Committee who had the foresight to see what was needed in the area. This work has continued through the Bridge Centre Steering Committee who – along with a committed group of staff –  aim to ensure that the Bridge Centre remains at the heart of the Killyleagh and Shrigley community.”

Following the presentation, the Bridge Centre Steering Committee held a fun afternoon to mark the occasion, with activities for the whole family.

 For further information about the Centre and its activities, contact it on 028 4482 8648.