Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today commended the work of Farranshane Community Trust as she officially launched their new mixed use resource and business project.

The Project located on a green field site at Norfolk Drive in the Rathenraw estate, Antrim will create 12 new full-time and 4 part-time jobs 

Commenting on the exciting new development the Minister said:  “This project has been created to help local people at the heart of this estate in Antrim.  It will provide invaluable resources to the local community and serve as a community hub to work, learn and play.  It is an excellent example of what can be achieved when statutory and funding organisations work in partnership with local communities on the ground to deliver services that provide real benefits for local people.”

The new scheme will offer workspace and office units, an internet café and I.T. suite, crèche facilities and conference and meeting rooms across a 3 story building of approximately 13,700 square feet.  The Department for Social Development (DSD) provided funding of up to £656,945 towards the overall cost of the building through its Areas at Risk strategy.  Other funders included the International Fund for Ireland, Community Relations Council, NIHE, Antrim Borough Council and the Community group itself.

Speaking at the launch Denis Rooney, Chairman of the International Fund for Ireland which contributed £603,762 to the project said: ”Farranshane Community Trust is to be congratulated for all the hard work the group has put in to bring these new facilities to the community. This project will bring new economic potential to the estate, allowing it to promote social and physical regeneration and will also strengthen and underpin community life in the long term.”


Jim Dennison, Director of Community Relations Council’s European Programme, said: “Farranshane Community Trust was awarded £82k in 2006 under the Capital build element, of the Peace II Extension Programme. We believe that this facility will provide opportunities for local people to come together to promote reconciliation and understanding through collaborative working and setting common goals.  The Community Relations Council are very pleased to have been involved in funding what we believe will be a lasting and sustainable resource to enhance community life and relations in the Antrim area.”

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