Work has started on the construction of a £1.2m regeneration project in Monkstown, Newtownabbey.The plans for the project were developed by the Monkstown Community Forum, a local group established in 1995 to represent the interests of all of the people living within the Monkstown area.The multi-purpose centre will offer a mix of facilities for community based groups as well as commercial space for start-up businesses, business support services and office accommodation.The Monkstown Village Centre project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland, Newtownabbey Borough Council and the European Union’s Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme and the Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership.Welcoming the start of the construction phase of the project, International Fund for Ireland Chairman Denis Rooney said, “The plans for this project have been around for a number of years and I am very pleased that construction is now underway. The new Centre will obviously have a tremendous positive impact on the area both socially and economically, by providing jobs for local people and through the development of an enterprise culture in the area”.Alderman Billy DeCourcy, Mayor of Newtownabbey Borough Council said, “I am pleased to see what can be achieved when organisations work in partnership and am confident that this project will transform the Monkstown area by creating a first class facility which will benefit all of the community”.John McConachie, Chairman of Monkstown Community Forum said, “Monkstown crossroads was at one time the centre of community life in this area.  The project’s initial aim was to reinstate this heart back into Monkstown.  After 11 years of effort with many setbacks and hurdles to overcome, it is satisfying for us all to see the contractor now on site.  Monkstown Community Forum is obviously very appreciative of the interest and support of the local community and all of the funders involved.”

Click here to download press release: 459.50 Kb