Plans have today (11th September) been unveiled for a new £653,680 community development scheme in Newbuildings, Derry.The scheme, which has been facilitated by the Newbuildings Community and Environment Association, will be built on Woodside Road and includes over 4,400 sq ft of space, incorporating four units which are available for retail or office use. It is hoped that the project will create 10 new jobs for the area.The project is being funded by the International Fund for Ireland, which has contributed £300,000 to the scheme, the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC), which has awarded £200,000 under the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme, and Derry City Council which has contributed £100,000. The remainder of the funding has been raised via a bank loan of £50,000 from Ulster Community Investment Trust Ltd (UCIT) and the group itself.Newbuildings Community and Environment Association was established in 1996 to promote economic and community development in the village and to improve access to local services. This project follows on from the Group’s first development scheme, completed in 2001, which involved the building of a £1.5m community centre at Duncastle Road. Speaking at the official launch John McDaid, Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland, said that the project was a wonderful example of how a community could strive to create a better future for everyone in the area. He said: “The determination shown by Newbuildings Community and Environment Association throughout this project is proof of a community that wants to move forward and create a better and more prosperous future for everyone who lives here. “These new facilities will not only realise new business potential in this area but will also strengthen and underpin community life in the longer term. Everyone involved in delivering this project is to be congratulated for their vision for the area and I am pleased that the International Fund has been able to contribute £300,000 to assist in its development.” Commenting on the new development RDC Director of Operations Michael Kelly said, “RDC is very pleased to be able to assist the group in the development of this venture. Our staff have worked closely with the group for a number of years on several projects and we have been continually impressed by their commitment and dedication to the development of their area. The community pride here has been very evident to us and I am certain that the new scheme will have a very positive impact on the local area which will be felt in the coming months and years”.The Mayor, Councillor Gerard Diver congratulated the efforts of the Newbuildings Community and Environment Association and stated that he was delighted for Council to be associated with the project. He said: “This scheme represents a key economic development project for Newbuildings village which will bring regeneration benefits including the provision of new employment space and job creation potential within a new purpose-built modern building.”Congratulating the organisation on their achievements, Phelim Sharvin of Ulster Community Investment Trust, said, “This project is testament to the significant effort and energy invested by Newbuildings Community and Environment Association. UCIT is delighted to offer support for the new facility which will encourage investment and create employment opportunities for the people of the area.Kenny McFarland, Chairman of Newbuildings Community and Environment Association, said: “We would like to thank all our funders who have supported us in delivering this project.  These new facilities will provide an opportunity to bring new services to the area and to allow the Community Association to sustain its community development programmes.”Work has already started on the new building which is expected to be complete by January 2009. Prospective tenants interested in finding out more information should contact Alison Wallace of Newbuildings Community and Environment Association on telephone number 02871-312252.

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