MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle, has performed the official opening of the new £1.2m multi-sport 3G facility at the Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane.
The new 3g facility will primarily cater for football, rugby and GAA and represents another significant investment by Council in sports and recreational facilities across the City and District.
Funders, stakeholders, elected representatives and Council officers attended Wednesday morning’s opening event where local schoolchildren took part in a Melvin Multi Sport Festival on the pitches that was delivered by Council’s team of sports coaches.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Boyle expressed his delight that local people could now access state of the art playing facilities on their doorstep.
“I am delighted that sports people of all levels can now access this high spec and state of the art facility that can significantly contribute to our aim of increasing participation numbers in sport and physical activity across the Council area,” he said,
“The Felix McCrossan Pitch provides much needed playing provision for the area and can act as a hub for the community, encouraging more active lifestyles choices and creating a space for groups and teams to come together and socialise through sport.
“The project was completed at a cost of £1.2m which was made up of £590,220 from the Department for Communities Neighbourhood Renewal Investment Fund and £623,000 from Council.”
Director of Health and Communities at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karen McFarland, said the project was the latest upgrade to the overall offering at the Melvin Sports Complex.
“The completion of the 3G facility is a welcome addition to the facilities at the Melvin centre that includes a Sports Hall, Studios, Conference Rooms, Cryospa, Soft Play, Play Park, MUGA, tennis court, and Running track.
“The investment compliments the £2.2 million refurbishment at the Complex in 2014 and the £60,000 upgrade to the Arena Grass Pitch and changing facilities.
“The pitch can host soccer, gaa and rugby games meaning it will be an excellent resource for all the local field sports clubs to access in all weather conditions.”
Sharon McCullagh, Acting Deputy Director of Community Empowerment Division, DfC said: “The provision of this Neighbourhood Renewal funding will greatly benefit all those who live in the Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Area and indeed right across the town.
This investment will provide a facility for many members of the community to come together for sporting activities and will help to improve the health and quality of life for the residents in the Strabane area.”
For further information on prices, activity programmes / timetables or general enquiries contact the Melvin Sports Complex on 028 71 382660, e mail [email protected] or visit www.derrystrabane.com/melvin-sports-complex
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