A multi- purpose centre, part of a £2.2m regeneration project in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, creating 50 new jobs for the area was officially opened today (Wednesday 16th April) by Denis Rooney chairman of the International Fund for Ireland and Alderman Nigel Hamilton, Mayor of Newtownabbey.The new 18,000 sq ft 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 project driven by Monkstown Community Forum, received funding from the International Fund for Ireland who provided £700,000; Newtownabbey Borough Council and the European Union’s Building Sustainable Property Programme, who provided £350,000; Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership (EU Peace II) who provided £200,000; Ulster Garden Villages Ltd who provided a personal loan of £50,000; Newtownabbey Environmental Action Team (NEAT) provided £35,000; Monkstown Community Forum raised £30,000 and a loan was provided from Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT) of £250,000.Thirteen out of seventeen units are already occupied with businesses ranging from Tesco Express and estate agents to Surestart childcare and the local Credit Union. Speaking at the official opening, Denis Rooney said, “The new centre is already having a great impact on the area both socially and economically. I would like to thank Monkstown Community Forum who deserve tremendous credit for holding on to their vision during the many years this project has been in planning. The centre is already providing 50 jobs for local people and it will also nurture an enterprise culture in Monkstown which will sustain the local business community for years to come.” Alderman Nigel Hamilton, Mayor of Newtownabbey said, “This excellent facility which benefits the whole community, has transformed Monkstown. We are delighted with the creation of 50 jobs for local people and the centre is now a thriving focus for new businesses in the area. Monkstown Village Centre is an excellent example of how organisations working in partnership can make a project happen.”John McConaghie, Chair of Monkstown Community Forum added, “Many years ago the Monkstown crossroads were at the heart of village life and we are delighted that after 12 years of planning, this area has been revived. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local people for their support over the years and of course our funders who have helped to make this project possible.”Councillor Lynn Frazer, Chair of the Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership added, “Monkstown Village Centre has quickly established itself as the hub of community activity and I am delighted to see so many local people here today. The Monkstown Village Centre will certainly contribute to the revival of this area and I wish Monkstown Community Forum all the best for the years to come.”

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