WATERSIDE Sinn Féin Councillor Christopher Jackson has welcomed the news that planning approval has been given for a new community centre in the Top of the Hill area
Councillor Jackson said: “This heralds a new era for the Top of the Hill area, which has been waiting decades for such a new facility.
“The campaign for a purpose built centre stretches back to the early 1980s and the decision today leaves us within touching distance of delivering a centre that will serve every age bracket living in our community.
“Despite working out of buildings that aren’t fit for purpose, youth and community groups in Top of the Hill have gained a reputation throughout the city for the quality of the service they provide.
“This new build will undoubtedly improve this already first class service and will bring all these programmes under the one roof making them more accessible for the local community.
“It is refreshing to see the council make provision for this key piece of community infrastructure within the rates process for the incoming financial year.
“I would like to pay tribute to the work carried out by council officers, assisted by Hillcrest Trust on getting this project to the stage we are at.
“With the pending announcement of the Peace 4 project at the Clondermott school site, we are on the cusp of addressing the decades of neglect this part of our city has experienced,” he added.
