The development of a new community resource centre and office space for Gilford that could create up to 15 new jobs was officially launched today (18th April 2007) by Alexander Smith, Joint Director General, International Fund for Ireland.    Situated on Dumbarton Street, Gilford, the new £479,735 project will create 2,500 sq ft of high specification lettable office space, offering up to 8 new offices and a large community space that can be used for general community activities such as meetings and classes. The scheme has been developed by the Gilford Community Regeneration Company Limited with assistance from the International Fund for Ireland which is contributing £300,000 to the scheme, the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme funding managed by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council, which is donating £119,000 to the project, Banbridge District Council is providing £39,000 towards the scheme while the remaining funding is being raised by Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd. At a recent visit to mark the official start of building work at the site, Joint Director General, International Fund for Ireland said: “One of the main focuses of the Fund’s activity is in creating the right environment where business can develop and flourish. I am certain that this new development with its provision for local enterprise will have a very positive impact for new and established businesses in the area and we are delighted to be giving this venture our support."     Michael Kelly, Director of Operations for the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council said: “RDC is very pleased to support the development of this project enabling EU funding to reach rural areas and communities in taking forward projects designed at creating economic and social benefits.  We congratulate the group and indeed the community for their vision, hard work and determination in getting the project to this stage and look forward to seeing the end product.”Chairman of the Gilford Community Regeneration Company Limited Mr Roy Leckey said: "This is the beginning of an exciting new development for Gilford. I’d like to acknowledge and thank the funders for their contribution, the International Fund for Ireland, the Rural Development Council, Banbridge District Council and Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd. Without their support a community organisation like ours would not have been able to realise our ambition for this area or raise the finance which is required to implement a project such as this."         Sam Walker, Vice-Chairman of Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd. highlighted the importance of the new office space development to the local economy. "Facilities such as these are vital to the generation and development of our local economy. By working together with Banbridge District Council, the Fund and the Rural Development Council we are creating much needed investment and employment opportunities for the people of Gilford and surrounding areas."    Banbridge District Council Chairman Patrick McAleenan speaking at the event remarked, “On behalf of Banbridge District Council, I am delighted to be here today to acknowledge the wonderful efforts that have led to this excellent example of a community development coming to pass.  It is 10 years since the Gilford Community  Regeneration Group was formed.  In that time the Group has persevered in its vision of seeing this Community Property Development Scheme (CPDS) happen.  Today marks another milestone in that ambition”.  Chairman McAleenan continued, “Banbridge District Council is proud to have been able to facilitate and financially support this important job creation project for the people of the Gilford area, in partnership with, the International Fund for Ireland, the Rural Development Council, Banbridge District Enterprises Limited and the Gilford Community Regeneration Group.” The building work is expected to be completed by November, 2007.

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