Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, has welcomed the completion of Phase 2 improvement works to Newbuildings Cricket Club and Newbuildings United Football Club.
The estimated total project cost is £57,000. Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership (LAG) was the majority funder under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which is managed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.
The Phase 2 works included new fencing, gates, hardstanding and traffic calming measures and builds on the successful partnership that oversaw the delivery of the significant Phase 1 Green Infrastructure project completed earlier this year.
The Green Infrastructure project delivered improved access and car parking valued at £300,000 and again was supported by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership.
Mayor Warke said he was delighted to see further investment in the site that will benefit the local community.
“As Mayor, it is my pleasure to see this project completed, which will obviously benefit a number of sporting groups and organisations in Newbuildings, but it will also be welcomed by all who live in the area.
“The works will make it easier for the clubs to provide managed public access and provide increased capacity for public events, as well as supporting the future development of Newbuildings United FC and the Cricket Club by creating better facilities.
“Council’s continued partnership with the clubs and Newbuildings Community and Environmental Association has continued to deliver improvements to the village.”
Speaking at the event in New Buildings, Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots MLA said, “I am pleased that the Northern Ireland Rural Development ‘LEADER’ Programme, through the Village Renewal Scheme is making a real change to the fabric of rural villages and is supporting projects that are based on community need.”
Minister Poots continued “I am delighted that this project will create a sense of civic pride in the village, provide tangible benefits for users and will help this rural area reach its full potential.
“I want to thank all those involved for all their hard work and dedication in bringing the project forward.”
Steven Wallace of Newbuildings United Football Club said “These improvements will make sure we are ready for the future while still allowing the community to use this space.”
Raymond Mitchell of Newbuildings Cricket Club said: “It is great to see this work finished, as it will really improve things for the Cricket Club and also make it much easier and safer for events to be held on the site.”
Gordon Moore, Chairperson of the Newbuildings Community and Environment Association added: “We are pleased to have been part of this project and to see these further improvements to these grounds which are so important to all in Newbuildings.”
Councillor Rachael Ferguson, Member of the Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership, said: “The LAG is delighted to have been able to support further work on this project, which has already been a real benefit to the local community, in terms of sporting events, community events and as a place to engage in and promote healthy active lifestyles.”